Debauchery and directness

If you are determined to break Eastern’s codes of conduct, why are you here?

In the last issue of the Waltonian, Kate Savo wrote in response to the letter we all received concerning irresponsible drinking.

Her basic argument was that we should not be prevented from attending parties where there is underage drinking because resisting the temptation to drink illegally would improve our character, offering us “valuable life experience.”

What kind of parties are being discussed here? Is this a genial faculty party where a student is offered a glass of wine? I doubt it.

At student-led parties, there is usually no accountability to drink responsibly, and excessive drunkenness is–as often as not–the goal of the gathering. This is the kind of party the administration likely does not want students to attend, inspiring the policy against which Savo argues.

Which begs the question: if I didn’t want to drink, what would I be doing at such a party? Would I be enjoying the social atmosphere–of a bunch of drunk people?

Socializing with drunks may be vaguely amusing in a sadistic way, but not when I’m the only sober person present.

I might argue that I wanted to “just have fun,” and that I would be “judgmental” to refuse their invitation, but if I wasn’t going to participate in the main aim of the party, what fun would I have? I wouldn’t be there to evangelize, again, because who would listen to me when they’re drunk?

The reason left for me to attend such a party is what Savo mentioned: to improve my character.

I don’t think so.

Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation” (Matt. 6:14, emphasis added). Throwing ourselves into temptation is foolish. If I go to such a party, even with the most sober intentions, I will either leave because I’m bored, or I will drink.

The student handbook states that “Students who believe drugs and alcohol must be a part of their college experience should not consider Eastern.”

It’s fine if you want to break Eastern’s policy, just don’t plan on going to school here.

I have my own question about that letter: why was it sent? What happened that the student body was so thoroughly warned against doing what Eastern policy and the law have already prohibited?

While I understand the need for discretion, publishing a brief account of the events that sparked such a response would help me understand the situation.

Privacy could still be protected quite easily if names were not used, and a specific factual statement would explain the administration’s actions while preventing rumors from flying around.

That letter made me feel as if I was being slapped on the hand for a wrong that I did not commit. I already have every intention of keeping within the policy of the school I have chosen to attend, and I agree with Savo that “acting responsibly should account for something.”