Mr. Sampson,
Let me remind you that you are a freshman, and it is immediately obvious from your WesSpeaks that your freshmen status has made you completely naïve to what has been an ongoing argument in the Wesleyan community for quite sometime. Let me enlighten you:
1. Students always will drink, many to excess, many quite regularly. No administrative policy will affect this. Ever.
2. Middletown is an extremely unsafe town at night. The entire argument about more shuttle service is not simply about giving those who are incapable of driving public transportation on your bill; it is about preventing muggings. You obviously are completely unaware of the long history of muggings and assaults by Middletown residents against Wesleyan students, intoxicated or otherwise.
3. Your argument is an exact analogue to “students should not be provided with condoms because condom access encourages sex.” Once again, a (substantial) proportion of 18-22 year olds engaging in sex is the norm.
As is drinking. Preventative, educational, & supportive programs at Wesleyan are in place (WesWell, WesFact, 8-8 etc.), and there is NO one who is unaware of the dangers and risks associated with drinking. For you to assume that Wesleyan students do not know such factors before they make an informed decision to drink is for you to hold an extremely presumptuous opinion that insults and underestimates the Wesleyan University student body.
4. Cab services in Middletown are extremely expensive and require booking well in advance. This is not New York City.
5. The bars in Middletown happen to border one of the more dangerous downtown slums. Ever been to one of the bars? As you are a freshman, no, you have not.
6. It is not your place to monitor other people’s drinking habits. Monitor your own, and I’ll do the same.
In conclusion, Mr. Sampson, I would like to point out that this resolution passed, and not without reason. It is because, if I myself may make an assumption about the student body, a great deal of students share these opinions with me.
Wesleyan is known for producing upstanding citizens, public servants, and a very high percentage of post-graduate degree holders. Wesleyan is not known for producing alcoholics.
Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to the ‘Keeper.
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