The ethics of dry
By: T.J. Fleming
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Opinions
This reasoning would seem to hold Furman responsible for creating an impossible moral predicament for upperclassmen, which would thereby justify a change to our alcohol policy. But upon further consideration, giving 21 year-olds the moral pass to drink on-campus does not appear to cut to the core of the problem. The fact is, there will always be laws and rules to break and there will always be people who break them, and getting rid of one rule just leaves others to be violated. In addition, just because something is legal does not necessarily make it right.
It has been a great exercise to wrestle through the moral struggle presented to me by the present alcohol policy. I do not therefore believe that Furman, as an institution of higher education, has failed either society or its student body by standing behind an alcohol policy that requires students to think through the implications of their actions. In my opinion, now is when each student must decide upon the convictions and principles that will shape the trajectory of his or her life and, ultimately, our society.
It has been a great exercise to wrestle through the moral struggle presented to me by the present alcohol policy. I do not therefore believe that Furman, as an institution of higher education, has failed either society or its student body by standing behind an alcohol policy that requires students to think through the implications of their actions. In my opinion, now is when each student must decide upon the convictions and principles that will shape the trajectory of his or her life and, ultimately, our society.