I was dismayed to learn of the situation that Hampshire is in and most concerned by recent decisions made to not admit a class for this fall as well as to curtail programs and lay off staff and faculty.
I moved to the Pioneer Valley in the late 1970s and started working at the Hampshire College library. I had the privilege of working there for four years, and I continue to admire the college’s values and ethics. I know that Hampshire is an essential part of a broader Valley culture. Hampshire graduates, faculty and staff have made a huge difference in the entire Valley — influencing our arts, music, restaurants, coffee houses, theater, housing, environmental education, CSAs and farms, and so much more.
It seems to me that hardly anyone is paying enough attention to what these proposed changes could mean to our entire Valley. Ignoring these impacts means that trustees and college administrators are leaving an essential group of stakeholders out of this discussion. They are also ignoring a strong cohort of allies and another avenue for fundraising; donations and support. Please consider Hampshire College from a Valley-wide perspective.
Beth Girshman
Conway