Praefectus Resignatus

Head Prefect Matt Hunter: Stone-Cold Disser

The following is a copy of former Head Prefect Matt Hunter’s letter of resignation from the Prefect organization. While many of the reasons he provides are banal and easily understandable, it is the last set of concerns that he airs that concerns HTP. The accusations he makes of the organization (incidentally, quite similar to those outlined in HTP article “The Prefect Drug” volume 3, issue 4) indicate that major changes should be made to the organization. In the past, it has been easy for the Prefect organization to chalk up criticism to ignorance and jealousy, since it came from non– and ex-Prefect sources, but it is not so easy for the organization to deflect charges made by its own head. HTP hopes that by publicly airing Matt Hunter’s concerns, positive changes to the Prefects can be instigated. It is not our aim to in any way cripple an organization that clearly does so much good. It is simply our goal that the organization’s faults be aired so that they can be remedied.

December 15, 1998

Attention: Mrs. Quinn; Mr. Jull; ALL PREFECTS

When I first applied to be head Prefect in April of the past school year, I felt that I would be able to handle the responsibilities of the job in addition to my full OAC course-load. I was mistaken. The past semester has been extremely stressful to me, even though the activities of the Prefects were at a virtual standstill. I spend a great deal of time simply working to get the grades necessary for university admission. Acceptance into university is of great long-term importance to me, and I feel that in order to fulfill my duties as head Prefect, I will have to sacrifice a portion of my academic potential. In addition to the heavy academic load that I have this semester (and will have next semester), I have taken on a new part-time job (which, incidentally, is just as important as my grades, since the money I earn will go towards my tuition). This job also cuts into my time, and I cannot afford to lose it due to the absences that would come about as a result of my participation in Prefect activities. Also, the political nature of the job is taking its toll on me. I tried, but it appears that deep down inside, I am not the sort of person who is capable of (and willing to) measure every word he says in the hope that he will not offend someone, or who can mindlessly devote himself to the preservation of a group's image, no matter how closely that group's image may be related to its reality. I would like to point out at this point that the Prefects are supposed to work to serve the community, and that if that were the sole and true aim of the organization, the climate among its members would be different. Instead, I see backstabbing, gossiping, blacklisting and other dishonorable activities. I suggest that all members of the group strive to bring it back to its roots. It is for these reasons that I am resigning as head Prefect, effective immediately. I feel that I have made a responsible decision, and I expect that my decision will be respected. By resigning, I am simply making room for someone who will be capable of doing the job more effectively. I would also like to make it clear that I am resigning as a "regular" Prefect, as well. I am no longer able to work within this group. Once again, I demand that my decision be respected. I wish the Prefect Organization the very best in the future.

Sincerely,

Matt Hunter