The Observer, February 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 16
Editorial: Alcohol Amnesty resolution provides needed safety net
As much as administrators may try to prevent and deny this, alcohol plays a major role in college life. Though it may not be the case for some, many students are no stranger to alcohol and have even experienced the painful Saturday morning hangover after celebrating a little too much on a particular Friday night. While such irresponsible behavior is certainly not encouraged, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) has decided to accept the reality that college students do consume alcohol and sometimes, a little too much of it.
Just last week, USG passed an Alcohol Amnesty resolution that was proposed by the Student Judicial Representative Committee. The resolution recommends the institution of a medical amnesty policy at Case. If such a policy is implemented, students who are in need of medical assistance during an alcohol related emergency will not be subject to judicial action from the university. Should the policy pass, it will be sponsored by The Office of Student Affairs, The Office of Housing and Residence Life, and Case EMS.
There is no question that the implementation of this resolution is needed and it is clearly another gain for student safety on campus in several areas. For example, if a student was raped and under the influence of alcohol at a party, he or she should not have to worry about the consequences imposed by the university simply because alcohol was involved. This student should be able to go to the hospital without worrying about whether or not he or she will be punished for drinking. In another instance, a student should not have to hesitate on bringing an intoxicated friend to the hospital for fear of incriminating himself and the friend in need.
Whatever the compromising situation may be, when students are in need of medical assistance, the possibility that judicial action will be taken should never serve as a barrier to getting help. The safety and wellness of each student should always receive precedence over a university policy.
Though the resolution is commendable in theory, there can be a potential for abuse. Students should not consider this policy as an encouragement to drink in an irresponsible manner but as a safety net that should not be taken advantage of. If the policy is passed by the administration, a great deal of trust has been placed in Case students and when given such an opportunity, we should be the ones to return that trust fully. However, regardless of whether or not there is such an amnesty, students should always drink sensibly as the only person who can truly ensure your own safety and well–being is yourself.
