To the Editor:

What does Kwanzaa mean to Yale?

Upon arrival at the Saybrook College dining hall on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, I was greeted with holiday displays. The displays included a Christmas tree and a Menorah. I was disappointed, however, that a Kwanzaa display had not been exhibited. Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday celebrated by millions. By excluding this holiday from display, Saybrook thus renders this African-American cultural tradition unimportant. The message is clear that both Saybrook College and Yale University are like the society in large: insensitive and unsupportive of African Americans.

What does Kwanzaa mean to Yale?

Nothing.

Karintha Holifield ’04

December 3, 2002