We've heard about the dangers of alcohol; we've heard about the absurd caloric intake; we've heard about the laws and university policies against underage drinking and drinking games. What else do the students have to hear about before we really take a critical look at Newman's Day?
Actor Paul Newman, whose son Scott died of a drug overdose has asked that we stop this The question I have is: How can we, as students at the number one university in the country, actually devote an entire day to an activity that not only harms our own bodies but also scoffs at the tragedy of the this family and the integrity of our University?
In addition, as many of you are aware, Newman's Day falls in conjunction with Communiversity and Pre-Frosh weekend this year. While the University's official pre-frosh program ends Saturday morning, many students will remain on campus to enjoy Communiversity. Should we allow Newman's Day to be the first (and perhaps most important) glimpse of Princeton social life that these prospective freshmen see?
Obviously the primary concern is for the health of the students involved.
We do irreparable damage to our bodies by drinking that much alcohol in such a short period of time. We simply cannot handle the overload. However, if students won't listen to the pleas of their livers, maybe they can respect the pleas of their peers.
So, how about a realistic suggestion?
Enjoy the day. Maybe this Saturday, relax with your friends and have a couple of beers—maybe even have a drink at noon over lunch in your eating club. Perhaps you still enjoy some friendly competition with a game of bocce (or a triathlon or a paintball war—whatever it takes). Just remember that you can still have fun with your friends without drinking to the point of belligerence and incoherence. In fact, you will distinctly not be able to enjoy the company of other people if you consume that much alcohol. The point is that there are appropriate settings and limits to our activities.
As students, our reaction to this illogical, disrespectful seven year-old "tradition" affects how the town of Princeton, the Class of 2008 and the Newman family perceive our student body. We must realize our actions are viewed as representative of the rest of the University community, which could bring repercussions for everyone.
Bottom line: Have a beer with lunch if you want. Enjoy the bands. Hang out with your friends. But think about what you're doing.
Others will be. Spencer Compton '05 writes on behalf of the Peer Health Educators. You can reach her at ecompton@princeton.edu.
Read More
The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
Bill HewittEnding the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Ending the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
What is a Princeton degree really for?
Joel IbabaoSo what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.
So what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.