Alcohol Policy Stems From Legal Liability

The most laughable aspect of Harvard's alcohol crackdown is the moral overtone with which it has been cloaked by Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III ("College Alcohol Policy Becoming 'No Tolerance,'" news story, Oct. 24). Is he fooling anyone as to the true source of Harvard's newfound concern for our drinking habits? Clearly, the University is worried about legal liability in the event of an alcohol-related accident. Why, then, does Epps feel it necessary to justify his actions with silly puritanical statements like, "Intoxication is associated with every form of adverse behavior occurring at Harvard"? Is alcohol associated with what is clearly the most prevalent form of adverse behavior on cam pus--moral posturing?

The Crimson quotes Epps as saying, "We are determined to find and utilize every effective means to prevent a tragic injury or death from occurring at Harvard." Such self-serving bluster only undermines Epps' efforts. If his statement is to be taken seriously, Harvard should concentrate on preventing its students from driving cars, which have taken the lives of several of the most beloved members of our community. Why instead the focus on alcohol consumption, which has not to my knowledge led to a single death or serious injury on this campus? The answer perhaps lies in his qualifying, "at Harvard." Epps' concern for us seems to end at the campus borders, outside of which he is confident that someone else will assume legal liability.

Joseph R. Varet '98