September 22, 2017
Freshman orientation, Columbia University, New York City, fall 1981: Speeches. A blur of upperclassmen, professors and deans welcomed us, explained campus resources and laid out dos and don'ts. At one point, the topic of the campus drug policy came up. "You can do whatever you want in your dorm room," we were told, "just make sure it's OK with your roommate." A ripple of surprise swept the audience. Several students asked for elaboration of this don't-ask-don't-tell policy on illegal narcotics, and were told that they'd heard correctly.