In response to the Huskie Football promotional “cartoon” that was published in the Back to School issue.

I think I speak for health professionals, intercollegiate athletics and the rest of the university community when I say that this “cartoon” was very inappropriate for publication in The Northern Star.

The message “and remember: there’s no sobriety test” runs counter to university-wide objectives of improving student health.

While the university is working hard to prevent alcohol related problems, the cartoon seems to promote getting drunk.

We encourage students who choose to drink to do so in safe and moderate ways. We also support students who choose not to drink.

Both choices are acceptable and healthy. Encouraging students to drink excessively because there is no one to “test” their “sobriety” is neither healthy nor safe.

While we are not asking you to do our job of working to reduce likelihood of harm to students, we would appreciate the Star taking more care not to undermine our efforts.

Amy Havas

Subtance Abuse Educator

University Health Service