Every year the Pepperdine administration reviews the Student Handbook its go-to policy document on the “dos and don’ts” of student life. This year the Associate Dean of Students kindly forwarded me some of the early proposals for changes to the 2010-2011 edition two of which have potentially devastating implications for students’ freedom on campus.
The first is a minor yet significant change to the Code of Conduct section under the heading “Misconduct Subject to Disciplinary Action.” One of the behaviors that has previously resulted in disciplinary action is the “exhibition possession or distribution of material or representations deemed to be obscene or contrary to the moral standards and/or mission of the University including but not limited to pornography.” The 2010-2011 proposal adds the word “viewing” to this line effectively making it against the rules to view any media that the Pepperdine administration arbitrarily concludes promotes immorality. Yes this could potentially include everything from sex scenes in PG-13-rated movies to your favorite over-the-top comedian on Comedy Central. If taken to its extreme by an overzealous disciplinary committee it could promote an Orwellian moralistic society that stifles independent critique of the University mission.
The second startling change is an additional line under the heading “Alcohol and Other Drugs which reads: The refusal by a student to take a breathalyzer or field sobriety test may be considered as admission of being under the influence.” Yes Pepperdine’s overbearing campaign against drunkenness has indeed reached such a point that it no longer places trust in its own students.
Both of these changes however subtle reflect a continued push by the University to limit student rights. It is time for the student body to rise up and collectively fight against these potential infringements on our liberties particularly before that struggle itself becomes a crime.