Dear Editor,
Having read The Scroll article “Loeb Speaks Service….” in the November 10, 2010 issue, I feel compelled to respond. The fact that an Academy Event speaker used his time with our students and faculty to disparage a Deerfield alumnus is disrespectful at best. Regardless of one’s political leanings, it is undeniable that David Koch has supported Deerfield with great generosity, loyal service and deep affection for our institution. Mr. Koch, like everyone in our community, deserves more respect.
Having known Mr. Koch for over 25 years, I can vouch for the intentions behind his generosity and support of Deerfield. David Koch loves our school. He believes his Deerfield experience has served him well, and wants to ensure that future generations get the same opportunity. He believes that those who are fortunate have a responsibility to be generous. Mr. Koch has never requested or suggested that his support result in a quid pro quo of any kind from Deerfield.
Lively debate has an honored place at every educational institution and in every worthy society. So does common courtesy. A guest of the Academy should know better than to insult an alumnus on our own campus.
Sincerely,
Philip Greer
President, Board of Trustees
Deerfield Academy
Regardless of Mr. Koch’s unfailing generosity as a benefactor to the school, he has lately been a denizen of the front pages of the world’s most respected newspapers and the subject of much discussion. When Mr. Loeb mentioned his name in his speech about climate change, it was not an affront to the academy, but the acknowledgment of a very relevant, global controversy. I can’t understand how such an acknowledgment, when regarding straightforward, accepted facts, could be considered an insult, and I think requesting the censorship of such an issue could easily be considered a quid pro quo from the school.