If you don't like it, you're free to leave
Patrick Grady
class of '88
Try jumping up and down in the rotunda of the Main Building. That seemed to get the administration's attention in 1984. But it didn't change anything. The alcohol policy was implemented anyway.
Fight as hard as you want, as hard as you can — you will not change a single mind.
Remember, at this private — very important word, private — institution, the only due process you receive is that which the administration grants you. The only voice you may raise in opposition is that which the administration allows. You may think that what you do behind closed doors is your business, but you'd be wrong. The doors and everything behind them are the property and/or responsibility of the administration.
The hardest thing of all to reconcile is that you agreed to abide by every single restriction over which you are now whining.
Perhaps this will make it clearer: "As long as you live in my house, you'll obey my rules." Sound at all familiar? How about the corollary: "If you don't like it, you're free to leave."
The University has the option to dismiss anyone it chooses for violations of the alcohol policy. For any of you who think they won't, you are probably right.
If you think they are more interested in curtailing the social life on campus than in stopping binge drinking, don't lose sight of this fact: There are, annually, many, many, many more qualified applicants than there are available openings for incoming students at Notre Dame.
You and your tuition payments can be replaced. Easily replaced. By students who will follow the rules, or again be recycled, should the administration so choose.
If you had wanted to spend your college years at a place where you could deposit your excess alcohol consumption in the hedges beside the business school, you wouldn't be at Notre Dame.
Remember why you chose this place.
Or choose another.
And another thought — the rotunda has been refurbished since back then. It may stand up to the abuse even better than the adminstration.
Patrick Grady
class of '88
Mar. 25, 2002
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, March 26, 2002
