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Do you mean legally binding? I’m not a lawyer, but I very much doubt it. Morally binding? In this instance, since I don’t feel there’s a major crime against humanity at stake, I believe that’s more of a matter for you and your conscience than for others to dictate. If you were my child, I would hope that this experience would be unsettling enough to make you think very carefully before giving your word from now on.</p>
<p>But for me, pragmatism trumps preachiness in this particular situation. If you don’t want to go there, Yale will get over it, and you’ll be freeing up a place for someone who wants it very much. I personally would rather see that outcome than teach you a lesson that won’t make anyone happy.</p>