I used to live in substance free housing. The only kids who really want to live there are fundamentalist Christians (the type who like imposing their views on others). The point of going to college is to expose yourself to new and different things, not to shut yourself away and only live with those who share your opinion. If these kids can't handle living with people who drink and do drugs for 8 months, it doesn't speak well for them or their supposed faith.
There is a distinct difference between avoiding "new and different things" and choosing to live in substance-free housing. Just as religious faith should remain a personal choice, so should the choice to live a substance-free life. Simply because a student refrains from drinking or using drugs does not imply that he or she is a recluse and afraid of trying new things. Furthermore, regardless of one's faith, if the college provides substance-free housing, it should be the students' choice to live in that dorm if they desire, and this choice should not affect the way that people perceive them or their religious beliefs (or lack thereof).
"If these kids can't handle living with people who drink and do drugs for 8 months, it doesn't speak well for them or their supposed faith."
Your final assertion does not follow. Does this mean that "it doesn't speak well" for you since you, who "used to live in substance free housing," could not "handle living with people" who do NOT "drink and do drugs for 8 months?" Of course not. It was your personal decision. Likewise, housing preferences or choices about consuming drugs and alcohol are not sufficient grounds for attacking or questioning others' religious convictions.
Many schools have substance free housing and most of those who live there are simply not into having drugs and alcohol as a regular part of their lives. Nor do they want to live near the pot smoke and alcohol addled noise/destruction of dorms with "partiers". Sure, there are perfectly behaved and normal residents in dorms with drinking/drugs, but sub free living students would just as soon have a predictably "excitement" free place to call home. Religion usually has nothing to do with this choice. I am sorry that one student felt pressured by evangalizing Christians. Choice of college, region of the country, etc. may dictate whether or not there are quantities of conservative Christians on campus. Some students research that before choosing a school. Christians may want a school with lots of others there, some students may want to avoid schools with lots of conservative Christian presence.
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posted 8/06/08 @ 10:03 PM EST