Editorial: Let's talk about history

The calendar turned itself to March this week, taking with it the Olympics, Winter Carnival and, of course, “Let’s Talk About Sex” Month. The annual series of events, sponsored by the Office of Health and Wellness Education, included a dating game, discussion about sexual conversation and a sex toy party, and was a popular event across college demographics. Central to the annual event’s success is the director of the Office of Health and Wellness Education, Jyoti Daniere, whose tireless efforts kept the student body interested and excited in the month’s activities.

Seemingly lost in the commotion of “Let’s Talk About Sex” Month, however, was the fact that February is also Black History Month — a time intended to recognize and celebrate the historical contributions of the black community. Many competing New England institutions devoted significant time and resources to commemorating the month with speakers, panel discussions, artistic productions and other community-oriented events. By contrast, Middlebury’s recognition of Black History Month was limited to a display sponsored by the College Republicans, a spoken word open mic session and the annual “Let Freedom Ring!” celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., on Jan. 18. Promotion for these events — and for the month’s significance in general — was so rare that we very nearly forgot about Black History Month altogether.

The stunning effectiveness of Health and Wellness’s campaign to get students talking about sex leaves us wishing Black History Month had its own Jyoti Daniere — a champion of the cause unafraid to bombard us with friendly and light-hearted e-mail, posters and fliers. Somebody who can encourage turnout by making history as fun as sex.
It is with high hopes, then, that we anticipate Shirley Ramirez’s return to Middlebury as Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer.