Letter to the Editor

Corrections for article on SLC party policy

by Ken Schneck

Tuesday February 7, 2006

I am writing to correct several inaccuracies in Sonnet Graham’s "Policies should grow up before students drink up" piece in the last issue of The Phoenix. While I understand that this article is an "Opinions" piece, the facts that the author puts forth as a premise for her opinions are so inaccurate that they are irresponsible.

In her opening paragraph, Ms. Graham writes "Fourteen students were sent to Lawrence Hospital for alcohol poisoning on the night of the Coming Out Dance last year." In actuality, the number was ten. Though this is not a number to be proud of, it sets the basis for her next point.

Ms. Graham next writes, "Despite the lack of the Coming Out Dance, just as many students have been sent to the hospital due to alcohol overdoses this year." In actuality, that number is two. Two is far less than ten.

Yet, before this becomes a numbers game, it is important to address the other points made in this piece, particularly phrases like "I am urging a tolerance for alcohol consumption" and "our student body doesn’t need abstinence."

Here’s the thing: At no point will the College sponsor an event where underage students are permitted to drink. At no point will this administration ignore the presence of an intoxicated underage student. At no point will Security say, "Sure, your event is under control, so let the underage drinking continue!" If students continue to expect any of the above, they will continue to be disappointed.

We live in a very tricky reality at Sarah Lawrence, one where we acknowledge that underage consumption of alcohol exists and one where such consumption illegal. At no point in the three years that I have been presenting alcohol education workshops have I ever said, "Abstinence is the only answer." If abstinence from alcohol is a student’s goal, we will support them as much as possible. Yet we also know that underage students drink. It therefore becomes our responsibility to not only talk about safety, but to enforce the consequences of underage illegal use. To drink underage is a choice. To enforce the law is not.

In the end, it is Ms. Graham’s last question of "Why doesn’t our administration offer resources for students coping with alcoholism, or students who just want to learn how to make sure their friends are safe on Saturday night?" that is the most egregious. RA’s are trained extensively in alcohol and other drug issues; Health Services offers both individual and group counseling for students who are questioning their relationship with alcohol; there are mandatory events during Orientation for first-years to be engaged on issues of both AOD and safety; and there are numerous workshops throughout the year to get students talking on these very issues (and I invite Ms. Graham to attend one).

It is my fear that someone has read Ms. Graham’s piece and thought that there aren’t resources easily accessible for them or a friend when there so clearly are. If you or someone you know has a high-risk relationship with alcohol, it is important to be connected. There are people in this community who are there to help. You just need to reach out to them.
Sincerely,
Ken Schneck
Assistant Dean of Student
Affairs