STAFF EDITORIAL: Balancing rights and rules

Penn's plans to enforce its alcohol rules at Spring Fling, as written, won't infringe on the rights of of-age students. And once again, the University and the state Liquor Control Enforcement bureau will attempt to minimize underage drinking during the biggest party weekend of the year. Unlike last year's mandatory bag searches at all dormitory entrances, this year's effort demonstrates a reasonable balance between students' rights and the University's interests in fighting illegal alcohol consumption. Specifically, only students who look "suspicious" will be asked to open their bags in the high rises, and of-age residents will be able to bring alcohol into their Superblock dormitories. So long as "suspicious" isn't synonymous with "undergraduate," this policy appears fair and justified. For reasons of student safety and legal liability, the University cannot turn a blind eye toward suspected underage drinking. But neither should the administration prohibit students over the age of 21 from exercising their legal rights or expose underage students to unwarranted searches. The mandatory searches at the entrances to the Quadrangle and Hill College House are like those in years past, and should come as a surprise to few. These dorms are essentially event venues for Fling weekend, and are subject to the same alcohol restrictions that one would find at any other outdoor concert or carnival. But where there's a will there's a way, and we all know that students will drink this weekend, and often drink heavily. In that context, the University's primary responsibility is to create a safe environment for all students -- regardless of whether or not they choose to drink this weekend -- and ensure that help is available for any students who drink to excess. These University's regulations do this by not infringing upon the rights of all students in pursuit of those who will try to violate the rules. We hope they will be enforced with appropriate restraint.