In the last couple of weeks the Daily has featured opinion columns by Darren Franich complaining about the presence of public safety at campus parties and public safety’s attempt to enforce compliance with federal and state drinking laws.

Before blaming a draconian administration for such heavy handed measures, students should be aware about the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

In order to be eligible for federal funding a school “must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees” (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses, Vol. 55, No. 159, Part II, 55 FR 33580, Thursday, August 16, 1990). In other words Stanford is required by federal law to document (“certify”) that it is has and is enforcing a program (“adopted and implemented a program”) which prevents students from under-aged drinking or use of illicit drugs.