I would like to respond to the Wednesday, Aug. 4, letter to the editor titled "Can't Tolerate Alcohol On Campus."
As a proud 2008 alumni of the University of Idaho, one whom wears her black and gold proudly and arrives at work during homecoming week dressed as an image of a bumble bee, I was appalled by Mr. Hoffman's remarks against the University of Idaho urging "parents not to attend your university in Moscow."
To begin, I humbly acknowledge that Idaho does have a reputation for widespread use of alcohol and attitudes toward underage drinking are typically relaxed, but Idaho has sincerely been active in trying to curb these abuses. It has always been made clear upon the arrival into the institution as a freshmen that UI does not condone or remain indifferent to any act or conduct that impairs the pursuit of knowledge or that may be judged to have a deadly effect upon the academic community.
Continuing, thick, leather-bound books of Idaho legal code dominate the desk at the ASUI Office. It clearly states in the student handbook that the "First offense of a minor in possession of alcohol can result in a $25 fine as well as mandatory attendance of a $40 alcohol awareness class—in addition to criminal charges." Furthermore, Idaho has the largest campus in the state—of course drinking is going to be more prevalent. The University of Idaho is not negligent. UI's leaders expect students on and off campus to take responsibility for themselves.
Nevertheless, the remarks proposing that students not attend the University of Idaho in general is unprecedented and nauseating. The fact that the writer mocked my Vandal intelligence has led me to conclude with this truthful fact—University of Idaho students are measured immensely better for their intellectual and educational successes as compared to our rivals in Boise and all other universities in the state. Binge drinking is prevalent everywhere, not just at Idaho.
Andrea Christensen
Sun Valley
