Whether all the members of the Notre Dame community want to accept it or not, the standard at Notre Dame is zero tolerance with respect to possession or use of drugs including marijuana. This is basis for the statements in du Lac concerning "shall be subject to disciplinary suspension ...".
In the case of Kyle McAlarney, he chose to separate himself from the Notre Dame community by his actions on Dec. 29. He may not have realized it, but that is what he did. Sometimes these cases do not rise to the level of a disciplinary hearing. For example, dorm rectors I am sure may choose to exercise some discretion in dealing with disciplinary matters "internally" at the dorm level.
Unfortunately in Kyle's case, there was no opportunity for an intermediary to take action, and the matter had to go to the disciplinary hearing stage. The decision by the disciplinary board simply confirms Kyle's own decision. As an alum, I am proud that Notre Dame has chosen to take action consistent with its published standards.
Jack Fremeau
alumnus
Class of 1971
Jan. 25
