I'm a college student in a fairly large city, and it really makes me upset that over 85% of the sophomores and freshmen drink alcohol. Not only that, but they do it to excess. They act as though it's their right to drink as much as they want, even though it's harmful and ILLEGAL. Local businesses willingly serve drinks to underage students...they put an X on the back of minors' hands and use it as an excuse if the students are caught drinking: "I dunno, officer, he wasn't supposed to be served alcohol so I have no idea of how this happened!"
Does anyone know of any good sites I could use as references? I am planning to send a letter to the college's president. And if he claims that intervening is none of his business, should I write to local lawmakers? The underage drinking on campus is a problem that needs to be addressed. And please, don't respond to this question by stating that people DO have the right to drink before age 21...because it is illegal, whether you like it or not.
2007-12-20 03:58:55 · 6 answers · asked by silver40596 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First of all, I am not alone at all...but all my friends share my views on underage drinking. I have no problems with people who can legally drink, though I myself will choose not to. I am not out to ruin anyone's day. But many friends of mine who are going to different colleges are telling me about reforms to alcohol policies that occur after alcohol-related deaths on campus. I don't want such a tragedy to have to occur before the administration here to reconsiders.
Second, I don't want to educate people about alcohol. It's useless. Nobody listens except for the people who already want to listen. What I think we need to do here is to crack down on local businesses selling alcohol and punish underage drinkers. It's the only way to stop the problem--to cut off the source.
2007-12-20 04:39:35 · update #1
People OVER the age of 21 don't have the RIGHT to drink. It is a privilege and a responsibility. It is not a right.
I would start with letters to the college president, as well as an open letter to the local paper/papers regarding the bars serving minors. I would also right to the local police regarding the bars. All or some of those things may produce results. You can also start a student run group educating other students on the problems that drinking can lead to. Lawmakers are probably just going to send you a form letter saying underage drinking in a problem, blah, blah, blah... and not give it much more thought.
All of this has been done before, and will be done again. This isn't a 'new' problem, but if it's an issue you want to address, those things shouldn't stop you from trying to fix it.
2007-12-20 04:08:38 · answer #1 · answered by mcq316 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I agree with you I also disagree at the same time. I know you want to do something good but its up to them if they want to ruin their lives. As long as you know its wrong and stay away from it then let it be. I'm not saying to never try and make a difference but you are going to do nothing but cause problems, have people hate you, and you will not even make that big of a dent. Cause even if anything changes it will go right back to the way it was after a while. Underage drinking is a big problem but no matter what the law is and how its handled there will always be underage drinking. I would just not bother and focus on how you can better your life rather than wasting your time one people that don't want your help. They will learn either for themselves or the hard way. I had a friend almost die when she was hit by a drunk driver. I was so mad at first, but I think instead of trying to stop it from happeneing which is practically impossible, that you should write the law makers and the president to enforce very strict penalties instead. Such as a loss of scholarship, loss of licence even if they weren't driving, expulsion, etc...
2007-12-20 04:13:08 · answer #2 · answered by TJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor Thing, you don't have any friends do you?
Most likey the college already has a no drinking policy in the student handbook, so I am preety sure that will be their response to your letters. What you would want to target is the businesses that serve underage kids. You should direct your attention to the local ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) office.
2007-12-20 04:06:23 · answer #3 · answered by ADG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really admire your effort! However, this is a lost cause. Imagine a bunch of teenager, left home for the first time, free of curfew and was able to do anything they wanted, coupled with exciting NCAA sports and outrageous fraternity and sorority activities . . . what are combination for getting drunk. Some universities are trying to intervene, but they can only do it for on-campus violation. Anything off-campus is up to the town police. You can start a student group and publish statistics etc. A good place to start is actually your school's health clinic. They may already have some projects that you can get involved in to educate students the adverse health effect of alcohol.
2007-12-20 04:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by Andy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an idea. How about you move to Saudi Arabia or Iran? Over there alcohol is completly illegal so you will be happy. You can sit home and play Battleship and Candyland all night instead of partying. Seriously though, you need to get a life. You are probaly mad because no girls like you.
2007-12-20 04:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by itz631 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry dude, you're outnumbered and outgunned. Your only real option is to leave for some place where the students behave themselves, like Bob Jones University. Be sure to tell the dean of students why you're leaving. If enough students do this, the school will be forced to do something to cut their losses of tuition and fees.
2007-12-20 04:06:16 · answer #6 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋