Alcohol Policy Done Wrong :: Argumentative persuasive Alcohol Policy Essays

Alcohol Policy Done Wrong When I was elected Interfraternity Council Treasurer in December of 1997 I knew I was in for a long semester, but I never knew what might evolve. I was elected in the wake of alcohol problems across the country. The only alcohol problem I knew of that had happened at the University of Arkansas involved a fraternity on bid day (the day when new freshman receive their invitation to a fraternity house). It involved two students that drank so much alcohol that they had to be rushed to the hospital. Both students were released from the hospital and the fraternity was placed on alcohol probation. I happened to be a newcomer to that fraternity as well and all alcohol probation meant to the fraternity was that they had to be a little more careful about where they drank alcohol in the house. The University of Arkansas has been very lenient in the past about enforcing the alcohol policy. The University’s policy is dated February 22, 1974. The policy states, â€Å"Possession and use of intoxicants in public areas of University facilities (including organized houses) and at official University functions held on campus is prohibited. Persons of legal age as prescribed by state law regarding alcoholic beverages may possess and consume these beverages in the privacy of assigned student rooms. Irresponsible behavior while under the influence of intoxicants is not condoned and may be subject to review and/or action by the appropriate judicial body.† There has been a lot of criticisms to the alcohol policy. First, the fact that it was written in 1974 attracts a plethora of criticisms. I feel that many things have changed since the 70’s and the alcohol policy should also change. Another thing that attracts criticism is the way it has been forced. I hav e seen pictures in the University of Arkansas yearbook from 1970 that show members of fraternities sitting on the roofs of their houses drinking beer out of the can, which is a direct violation of the alcohol policy. I have also heard rumors that in the 80’s kegs were clearly present throughout the fraternity houses. The next thing I would like to mention is the sudden change in enforcement of this alcohol policy. I have been on this campus for three years and I have seen an abrupt change in the way administrators enforce the alcohol policy.