At large school events, alcoholic beverages are bound to be ingested. In most recent occurrences, alcohol consumption has led to rowdiness and in more severe cases, fighting.
So what can we do to keep students safe and the campus under control at events when drinking is inevitable? Some students are suggesting serving alcoholic beverages at events, like dances, in order to knock off the pregaming habits.
Julia Westerfer, a sophomore exercise science major, agrees with some aspects of the topic. Westerfer said, “If you’re 21 years old, you’re 21 years old. You should be able to drink anywhere if you’re of age. Serving alcohol at dances would definitely eliminate some pregaming, but not for those who are underage.”
Diane Derecola, a member of CAP Board, which schedules events at the school, was asked a few questions on the matter as well. “They typically don’t serve alcohol. I can’t really recall any event that they have in the past, the SGA has served alcohol at the spring formal but that’s it,” Derecola said. When it came to if the board discussed the topic for future events, Derecola said, “Not that I’m aware of.”
Would the percent of pregaming rise if underage students knew that other students who happened to be 21 years of age or older were intoxicated at the same events? Would they feel left out and go even harder? Would a school with such strict alcohol consumption rules allow lenience towards drinking at events in a controlled matter? These are all questions that have been asked.
For those who are unaware, current violations of the Alcohol Policy results in a $100 fine, a disciplinary warning, parental notification, an alcohol education program and residence hall access restrictions.
Mellissa Grocco, an employee in the Public Safety office, had no comment on the matter.
Pat Snyder, a sophomore and recent transfer to the communication department, sees some positives and negatives on the topic, too. “If you’re of age, I guess that’s cool,” Snyder said. “If you’re old enough to drink, you should have alcohol there. I’m not of age so I would pregame even harder to catch up to my friends who are of age at the dance, if we went. It would probably only be beneficial to those of age, actually.”
Snyder’s friend, Joseph Johnson, who is of age on the campus, said, “They should lower the drinking age to 18 on the campus to avoid so many pregaming issues.”
Serving alcohol at dances and events seems to be an idea that most students are in favor of. However, questions arise when it comes down to age limits, the price of each beverage at events and if a more conservative school compared to others would be accepting of this change of heart.
@abbierosekeefe
