Freshman orientation, Columbia University, New York City, Fall 1981: Now as then, there were 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.

One of my friends, who grew pot plants in his window, proved the wisdom of that advice. My pal's Born Again Christian roomie, not consulted about his grow house scheme, attacked him in what became a legendary fist fight out of a Western. No one was arrested, though there was a stern talking-do courtesy of the dormitory resident assistant. (Columbia has since changed this policy.)

The weird alternative universe of law on campus is in the headlines again due to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' announcement that the Trump administration plans to rewrite Obama-era Title IX rules to give male students accused of rape on college campuses more rights to defend themselves.