Enforce substance-free rules

By:

Posted: 5/1/08

The University is obligated to ensure that a diversity of lifestyles can be accommodated on this campus. Unfortunately, the article in this week's News-Letter on the prevalence of illicit substances in the freshman substance-free dorm reveals gaps in this mission. It is important that students who opt to live in a substance-free environment are guaranteed this option. Just as the University takes into consideration the particular practices of religions, the decision to live in a substance-free environment should be treated the same, whether the respective student's reason is religious or not.

The recent report of substance use in the substance-free dorm confirms the lack of appropriate safeguards and enforcement measures. The first obstacle to a truly substance-free dorm can be corrected preemptively by correcting the potential disconnect between students and their parents. Parents are the ones who end up paying for housing and thus have the right choose the type of housing that they prefer for their children. However, just because parents have this right does not mean they will make the right decision.

Consequently, the application should require more than just a check for those who want to live in substance-free housing. These students should be required to answer a written questionnaire that asks students why they want to live in this dorm. The Reslife office will then reserve the right to judge which students are the best fit for a substance-free environment.

A student written-response will allow Reslife to determine if a student truly desires to live in this dorm and is not being coerced by his or her parents. These recommendations are by no means foolproof in identifying students who truly want to live in substance-free housing but at least provide some form of checks and balances in the application process.

But some students who request to live in a substance-free housing will change their minds once they arrive. These students have the same options as all other students: File a request to relocate dorms. Reslife should remind students who wish to no longer reside in substance-free that no assumptions about their behavior will be made. And conversely, students who do not live in substance-free housing should be able to request it mid-year. This option must be constructive, not punitive.

However, those who break the substance-free contract and fail to make an effort to relocate must be held accountable. Students who fail to abide by the contract, particularly repeat offenders, should be removed from University housing. This is not a draconian measure. The substance-free housing contract is like any other contract, and those who commit to it must be expected to honor its conditions. This is the only way to guarantee a truly substance-free environment. The University has the responsibility to provide a welcoming and comfortable setting for a wide variety of lifestyles, including the sober one.