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February 28, 2003

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Alcohol philosophy put to use

At a time when other campuses are considering policies restricting use of hard alcohol and closing campus pubs, Trinity is moving in the opposite direction.

It seems ironic given that excessive drinking and related negative behaviors remain problems on campuses nationwide. So why not dig in with more restrictions rather than uncork changes that seemingly liberalize our policies?

The answer for this University is that tight restrictions have minimal impact on the problem. The current policy, which has served us well, was written at a time when the drinking age was changed from 18 to 21.

It is certainly unambiguous: “The University prohibits any and all consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages … subject to these exceptions,” namely, that students of legal age may drink wine and beer in certain residence halls.

The wording does little to explain the rationale of the policy and the philosophy of the University regarding alcohol use by its students. Most students would say that the policy and its enforcement send a strong message – that alcohol use is bad and that the University wants to eliminate student drinking.

Past and current administrations never have believed this and have often said so. Interestingly, administrators and students want the same things: responsible use, safety and consideration of others.

The new policy recommended by the Alcohol Task Force has received attention primarily because it proposes the elimination of dry halls (allowing 21 year-old students to drink in all of their upperclass residence halls) and the elimination of the prohibition on hard alcohol.

While these are significant changes, there are others of note: a “Good Samaritan” style clause that encourages safety; a passive participation caveat for non-drinkers caught in drinking situations; greater flexibility for sanctioning by the Student Court; and a new addition that prohibits the distribution of alcohol to minors.

But probably the most exciting change is that the language makes the philosophy of our University community clearer. In contrast to the current policy (which leads with what is prohibited) the proposed policy reads: “Trinity University values the freedom of those who live and work here to make our own choices, and it values the education that equips us to exercise that freedom responsibly. Choices regarding alcohol, in particular, are a matter of individual and community interest because poor decisions can negatively impact our personal health and our public environment.”

The new policy recommended by the Alcohol Task Force has received attention primarily because it proposes the elimination of dry halls (allowing 21 year-old students to drink in all of their upperclass residence halls) and the elimination of the prohibition on hard alcohol.

This policy and wording, crafted by Residential Life Coordinator Cara Taylor with assistance from students Jake Walker, junior, and Andrea Ramos, sophomore, unifies a message that the specific policy provisions are intended to match. (The full proposed changes are available on the Association of Student Representatives (ASR) Web page.)

Likewise, while the Tigers’ Den (which will open within the next week or two) receives attention for serving alcohol, the change is less about drinking and more about the community space we create and share on campus. As a result, all students may visit this University Center venue – though only those of age may consume alcohol – side by side, with faculty and staff.

Aren’t there risks in these policy changes and in serving alcohol on campus? Certainly. But while we may be out of step, going the wrong way has never seemed so right.

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