EDITORIAL & OPINION: A chance for participation

Today, students have the opportunity to join in the discussion over alcohol. We hope that both forums contribute to a substantive discussion of the issues at hand, not one that becomes lost in a politic dance around the student body's concerns or in ad hominem attacks on the administration. Students choosing to attend today's rally have an excellent opportunity to convey their opinions to administrators. By sheer weight of numbers, they have the opportunity to emphasize the need for student participation in this unfolding discussion and the sense of outrage in the lack of participation thus far. But that important point would be lost should the rally proceed in a less-than-dignified fashion. In asserting their right to take responsibility for alcohol consumption, students must demonstrate the ability to act responsibly. Hours after the rally concludes, another group of students will meet in College Hall with administrators. Certainly, previous attempts to create student-administration dialogues on alcohol have produced few noticeable results. This body remains an unproven quantity. Though we are somewhat skeptical, we hope it will prove its efficacy by producing substantive and relatively immediate proposals. In order to facilitate this, we encourage students to contact committee members with their concerns and opinions, ensuring that the discussions are truly representative. To the student leaders appointed by the provost to represent the student body in College Hall tomorrow, and to the administrators and faculty who will meet with them, we would ask you to bear the following points in mind: First and foremost, if these discussions are to be successful, both sides must proceed with respect for the values and opinions of the other. It remains extremely important that the suspension of the policy allowing alcohol to be served at registered undergraduate parties is lifted as soon as possible. Also, while considering changes to Penn's existing alcohol policy, we would again remind the committee of the importance of personal responsibility. Not only should the value be upheld in its own right, but indeed we do not believe regulations can ever truly prevent students from drinking. Responsibility is the theme for tomorrow, for those involved in the consultative process and for those demonstrating outside. We hope all involved will bear it in mind.