I am writing to you today about one of our most difficult problems. Alcohol abuse by young adults is a very serious issue in America, and it has unique dimensions on college campuses. My intent is not to alarm you. Unfortunately, many young people see the consumption of alcohol as part of a rite of passage into adulthood. Many of our students already have experimented with the substance, and a few already are problem drinkers when they enroll.
Most college freshmen experience a new level of independence when they move from home to campus.
This freedom, when combined with relative immaturity and intense peer pressure, can lead to serious problems. Most campus incidents of assault, vandalism, and date rape are alcohol-related. These problems exist at all major universities, and Purdue is not an exception. As you know, our society accepts moderate alcohol use by responsible adults as legal and moral. Purdue's approach is to encourage good decision-making by our students and employees.