The Christian school where I did graduate studies, Abilene Christian University, has finally made a bold and correct move regarding its alcohol policies. As is common with many conservative Christian universities (and definitely those affiliated with Churches of Christ), the historical policy has been to ban drinking for all students in all places at all times. This includes off-campus drinking by those 21 and older. Any student found drinking alcohol of any amount at any time and any place during their enrollment under these policies typically faces punishment by the school and possible explusion in worst cases scenarios.

I am not a drinker. I do not promote drinking. I believe there is a toxic and out of control alcohol culture in America that must be dealt with. But I also believe it is not the place of university administrations to place moralistic sanctions on their students even in situations that have no direct connection with the institution. Universities have a right and obligation to deal firmly with students who are breaking the law. But to extend the hand of control off of their own campuses to the actions of those who are granted every legal right to certain behaviors in their own homes and elsewhere, whether morally right or wrong, is an abuse of authority. Such policies have not served to shore up the moralistic atmospheres of such institutions and have only worked to build a Christian subculture facade that has nothing to do with spiritual development of students and everything to do with maintaining face to a Church community that exists under tremendous delusions about what is really going on behind closed doors.

Many of you who have read this blog for long, or know me personally, are aware of my overall sentiment towards the concept of Christian universities. I have tempered somewhat in my feelings about this, and seeing schools like ACU make risky moves like this increases my level of appreciation for these institutions and their quest to be real places of experience and learning and less like moralistic control camps where parents can send their kids to be "safe." Policies of moralistic control are not what teach college students how to be discerning in their judgment and how to grow in wisdom and self-control.

Bravo, ACU, for doing the right thing.