<p>There’s drinking on every campus - Haverford is no different. They never said it was. I think it’s great that they’re even trying to solve the problem. I went to a large university where there wasn’t anyone policing the parties, and it was a mess and often out of control. Haverford is known for the student body policing itself and enforcing the rules. That’s part of the Honor Code, and one of the reasons why these students choose this school. But it’s only one part.</p>
<p>I don’t believe that Fords act self-important at all. If you speak to them, you’ll see that they hold the Honor Code in high esteem. It is vital to the overall environment that the school has embraced, and it is something that the students have chosen to abide by. Never do they claim that their school is more “endowed with morals and character” than any other place. But these kids have chosen to live by a code that is steeped in tradition of openness and acceptance (what you call “draconian”), and I’m not sure why you find that so offensive. </p>
<p>I don’t think Haverford will ever “move on” because the Honor Code is central to who they are, unlike the majority of colleges today, including the ones with Honor Codes. It is what makes them unique, and it’s why many students choose to attend. So by nature, I would think that the percentage of kids with higher morals and character would be drawn to a place like this because it fits their personality. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know, but it seems logical.</p>
<p>Haverford has never claimed to be a Garden of Eden, and there are problems there like at any other school. But it is a place for those who want to live in an environment of openness and freedom, and that can come with negative consequences as well as positive ones. It’s not for everyone, but I don’t understand why people keep making statements that the Honor Code is so repelling. If you’d rather attend a college where the administration enforces all the rules and makes all the decisions, then there are many to choose from. Haverford is for a different kind of student. They shouldn’t be insulted and criticized for that.</p>