To the editors:

All members of the Harvard community are impacted by the important issues raised by The Crimson and other campus media regarding alcohol use and drinking at Harvard (Editorial, “Clarify Alcohol Policy,” Feb. 21). Amidst opinion, rumors and anecdotes, one thing that actually becomes clear is that students do not fully understand, or at best mistrust, the policies and standard procedures at Harvard. Given the potential consequences, this is of grave concern.

University Health Services (UHS) and the College’s primary concern when a student has been drinking is for the individual’s health and safety. With this at the foundation of this discussion, it follows that by policy, students will not undergo disciplinary action for seeking medical assistance for intoxication or if medical attention is sought on their behalf. If, and only if, it is determined that the student needs to stay the evening at UHS, the College (typically the Senior Tutor or Assistant Dean of Freshmen) will be told that the student is at UHS for the night. That’s it. This would be the same conversation if the student were admitted to UHS for mumps, for the flu or for emotional health reasons. This is the policy. UHS does not and will not release additional information and takes breaches of confidentiality very seriously.

So where does the confusion come in?

When someone has reached intoxication to the point of needing medical attention, often there are other circumstances and occurrences leading up to the eventual visit to UHS. This can range from a common altercation or stumbling about to a more destructive or outrageous event. Whatever the case, it often doesn’t take long for details of the events to be communicated within the community in which we live. Yes, this may, and often does, lead to a possible conversation between administration and students. Conversation doesn’t mean probation, official warning or disciplinary action. In fact, it reflects genuine concern for well-being. At a time when we are moving toward a truly caring Harvard community, it seems to be a legitimate procedure for an administrator to follow up with a student after hearing of an overnight stay in UHS.

The truth is that the policies and procedures are in place to protect students. This includes open, barrier-free access to medical services.

We have much to learn about how and why students choose or choose not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Surveys can help us to understand trends, patterns and shifts in behavior. However, it is human interaction and honest conversation that build a community.