Dear Alumni,

                On behalf of KP Board 08-09, I am writing to address a developing concern around the occurrence of drinking at KP events in a manner that simultaneously speaks to the alumni-KP relationship.

I must preface this by saying that we have no paternalistic intention. Any community, whether GBM or alumni, has the prerogative to engage in any behavior it wishes; it is only through board’s responsibility of fostering a safe and positive atmosphere for community that I come to this letter.

To address drinking at KP events, there are many reasons for Board to refrain from making a statement. For one, our Constitution makes no mention of the subject, let alone a moralistic stance. Secondly, tradition sends mixed messages, with drinking as generally commonplace at certain events, and implicitly unacceptable at others. In terms of leadership, after 21 years of Boards and the diverse opinions they’ve harbored, we wouldn’t dare, in any respectful manner, speak for them and undermine their authority/legacy.

Yet, it remains philosophically an issue that for at least this Board, alcohol, as it represents a dialogue around proper behavior at events, must be commented on.  To be clear, KP Board isn’t taking a stance on alcohol. We believe ANY disruptive or gravely inconsiderate behavior regardless of its source (alcohol, caffeine, blatant disrespect, etc.) is not appreciated. Meaning, the issue isn’t alcohol—the substance, but rather the action of its dangerous consumption in the context of a “safe space”. We worry that when anyone — let alone alumni often seen as role-models — are unable to hold their composure, they are likely to endanger a long list of event values and logistics. This may cause unnecessary concern from GBMers (current and potential), allies and even administration.

For example, alumni-drinking at our most recent High School Conference was brought up internally as a concern. Though the concern wasn’t necessarily shared by many, the matter isn’t taken lightly. Historically, HSC has had instances of high school student drug-use. If the students had observed underage KP members and/or alumni drinking (legality aside), the event may be perceived in a way that undermines the authority of HSC’s drug-free policy.

All we ask from those in attendance of a KP event (alumni or not) is that community comes together and exercises common sense and consideration at all times, and of course has fun. Admittedly, this issue expands into different contexts deserving further discussion, but invariable on the matter is Board’s refusal to promote drinking as the major attraction at an event, rather than the program itself.

            As a 4th year Chair, soon to be alumnus, I want to reassure everyone that I have no intention to dissuade alumni participation at events. Writing this letter is merely an effort to improve alumni relations while acknowledging a specific issue for discussion. This letter is an effort to understand each other in this space called KP, a space that I hope you all as alumni can still feel comfortable in, while simultaneously respect.

Please remember this is meant to open up dialogue. Any alumni thoughts, related or unrelated to this specific matter, may be directed to our Alumni Liaison, Junn Paulino (jpaulino@ucsd.edu), or generally to Board (kpucsd@gmail.com).

In Love and Peace,

Roel Mangiliman, KP Chair ’08-‘09