We are writing to clarify the recent misrepresentation of the Florida State University College of Law. These views represent the personal opinions of various law students in the Florida State community and are in no way representative of any organization we belong to or position we hold.

A fellow Florida State University College of Law student recently wrote an op-ed published in the Tallahassee Democrat voicing her concerns with President John Thrasher’s alcohol ban for all student organizations at Florida State. We find many of the opinions and premises in the op- ed concerning, as they do not adequately represent the College of Law’s efforts to assist its students with job placement, nor do those opinions fully represent the students and alumni who have worked hard to contribute to the legal profession responsibly.

The recent op-ed grossly undersells what Florida State has to offer in terms of job prospects. Our administration and student organizations host many events throughout the year to encourage student engagement with members of the legal community in personal and professional settings, many of which do not involve alcohol.

First and foremost, the College of Law recognizes the importance of living a healthy and happy life as an attorney. Each year, the Student Bar Association (“SBA”) and the College of Law’s Office of Student Affairs host a “Mental Health Awareness Week.” The student body is proud to attend a law school that emphasizes the importance of mental health in the legal community.

Moreover, the College of Law’s Career and Professional Development Center have put a great deal of effort into planning monthly “Food for Thought Luncheons,” which feature attorneys discussing a wide variety of practice areas.

Furthermore, our student organizations provide opportunities to engage with the legal community responsibly. For example, the Law Review hosts biannual judicial breakfasts featuring federal judges who come to speak with the members of the journal. Additionally, our nationally recognized advocacy teams, Moot Court and Mock Trial, pair students with local practitioners and judges as coaches for competitions. Each advocacy team frequently utilizes the legal community for practice panels for the moot and mock arguments leading up to their competitions. Also, the SBA hosts a “Legislative Preview,” where members of the Florida legislature, lobbyists, and attorneys come speak with our students about their experiences working in the legislative sector.

In sum, as students of the Florida State University College of Law, we are proud of the numerous alumni events that do not involve alcohol hosted by both our faculty and students.

How does the ban truly affect the College of Law’s students? As officers and members of multiple organizations, we believe that young professionals are perfectly capable of having a drink or two at networking events without jeopardizing their health or safety. However, the passing of a young man is tragic, and we support President Thrasher’s decision to do what he felt was immediately necessary for the ENTIRE Florida State community. The safety of our students is far more important than having a drink in our hand while speaking with future employers at a school event. Lastly, it is worth noting that the ban does not preclude our students from attending networking engagements that contain alcohol; rather, the student organizations simply cannot furnish the funds for or provide the alcohol.

Finally, we want to clarify that the student body understands the College of Law’s principle concern is education. We all chose Florida State because of its superb academics, exceptional faculty, and loyal alumni.

Daniel Buchholz is a third-year law student and Editor-in-Chief of the Florida State University Law Review.

Michael Kaney is a third-year law student, President of Moot Court, and a member of the Florida State University Law Review.

Lilly Sharpe is a third-year law student, President of the SBA, and a member of the Law School Council.

Hillary Thornton is a second-year law student, Secretary of the SBA, and a member of LitiGators.

Brandon Holmes is a third-year law student, a member of the Moot Court team, and a member of the Florida State University Law Review.