Texas A & M University, Saint Joseph’s University (PA), Duke University, University of Maryland- College Park, and University of Hartford. What do these schools have in common? They are five universities that are part of a long list of schools whose presidents have signed the Amethyst Initiative.
The Initiative, introduced in July of 2008, suggests that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 will cut back on underage drinking violations that occur both on and off campuses all over the United States.
By Kayla Sheffield
Contributor
Texas A & M University, Saint Joseph’s University (PA), Duke University, University of Maryland- College Park, and University of Hartford.
What do these schools have in common? They are five universities that are part of a long list of schools whose presidents have signed the Amethyst Initiative.
The Initiative, introduced in July of 2008, suggests that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 will cut back on underage drinking violations that occur both on and off campuses all over the United States.
According to the Amethyst Initiative, young adults who are old enough to vote join the military and sign contracts are old enough to make the decision of choosing to drink responsively.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) could not disagree more. M.A.D.D. even posted an article on its website, protesting the idea of the under 21 drinking age.
In the article, M.A.D.D. posted the list of schools and universities that signed the Amethyst Initiative and encouraged the public to contact the schools and ask them to “remove their names from the initiative list and support the 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age.”
According to their website, the organization feels that “maintaining the legal drinking age at 21 is a socially and medically sound policy that helps parents, schools and law enforcement protect our youth from the potentially life-threatening effects of underage drinking.”
Seton Hill University (SHU) president JoAnne Boyle’s signature is not located on the Initiative but she does feel something needs to change.
“I am, however, deeply concerned about the increased abuse of alcohol by students on college campuses of whatever age.
Binge drinking, excessive celebratory drinking, drinking and driving, all cause me, and all who care for the well-being and health of students to want to do something to address a problem that seems to grow a little every year,” she said.
Charmaine Strong, dean of student services, also believes that something needs to be done. She does not personally think the Initiative is the answer but she feels it does have a positive side to it. “I am grateful that this Initiative has resulted in folks talking,” Strong said.
Freshman Brooke Sarver feels that lowering the drinking age will have an effect on the number of D.U.Is and other underage charges and violations.
“Because the students will be able to drink at a younger age, the colleges will not have to fine and or punish so many underclassmen.”
She also believes that although there will be less incidents with underage drinking, there will be a rise in other criminal acts.
“If the age is lowered, then that means an increase in vandalism, breaking and entering, rape and various other crimes will start.
Face it: the younger the age, the less responsibility and common sense is used when drinking,” Sarver said.