The University of New Hampshire’s recent decision to ban the sale of energy drinks on campus and remove trans-fat foods and salt shakers from the school’s cafeteria did not go over well. Students protested the measure on social media sites, and before the ban went into effect, it was overturned.

And rightfully so.

UNH’s attempt to ensure the safety of its students was an unnecessary act of control. Is a ban of energy drinks the safest option for all students? Maybe.

Energy drinks are legal for all ages, and choosing to drink or not to drink them should be a decision students make on their own.

The same goes for UNH’s absurd decision to remove salt shakers from its cafeteria. Is not using salt a healthy decision? Sure. But if you don’t want salt, then don’t use it. Simple as that.

College students are independent enough to live on their own, study on their own and, in some cases, pay their tuition on their own. Chances are, they’re independent enough to choose what they eat or drink on their own, too.

Institutional control, like the kind exhibited by UNH, may be a growing trend among college campuses. But let’s hope not.

And if it is, then let’s hope it stays away from TCU.