Administration right about alcohol

If you've been reading the IDS opinion page over the last few weeks, it might seem as if there is some "evil" empire headed by Chancellor Sharon Brehm and Dean of Students Richard McKaig that is intent upon (gasp!) decreasing alcoholism on campus and (perish the thought!) enforcing the law. While detractors from the administration's plan believe the policy is heavy-handed, they are simply ignoring that the plan put forth by the administration merely serves to both decrease alcohol-related deaths and enforce the law.\nOne such group that has complained about the alcohol enforcement is the greek community. It claims to be disproportionately targeted by the University. Supporters claim that the University should cut the fraternities and sororities some slack, and they cite greek support for such noble events as IU Sing and Little 500. However, these proponents often fail to mention the numerous hospital visits and, sadly, funerals that result from parties gone wrong. Would a responsible University administration sit back idly as more and more students died as a result of alcoholism?\nI don't think so.\nWhat's more, the University's policy is not to abolish all alcohol on campus. Rather, it prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages in any undergraduate residence supervised by the University, including fraternity and sorority houses.\nThis policy aims to enforce the drinking age and see that parties don't get out of control -- both aspects that are not aimed solely at fraternities, as some would have you believe. Rather, all students are targeted. By reading the police blotter in the IDS, it becomes obvious that arrests occur all over campus for violations such as underage drinking. However, when IUPD busts fraternity parties it garners more attention because of the size of the parties and the notoriety of the fraternities.\nNow, many 18-20-year-olds would make the argument that they should be allowed to drink just as they are allowed to serve in the military. As someone under 21, I think that there is some merit to this argument. But just because you don't like the law doesn't mean you can disregard it. When I came to IU, I was shocked at how many of those under 21 don't follow the law. But, as everyone knows the legal age is 21, I suggest people stop complaining when the University enacts a policy aimed at enforcing the law. If you choose to drink, fine, but don't throw a fit when you get caught.\nFinally, I would offer a few words of advice to all of those (and I have no doubt that there are many) who are not swayed by my argument. First, do something about it! One great thing about being 18 is that you can vote for Indiana legislators who set the drinking age. Sadly, college-age students have the lowest voter participation rates in the country. So, as my mother once told me, "If you don't vote, don't complain!"\nMy second piece of advice is if you drink, do so responsibly. Not only will this ensure your health and the health of others, but it will decrease your chances of going to jail. The administration and police must crack down on parties that get out of control, but if people drink responsibly, there is less likelihood of the University cracking down on the greek system.\nI know that there are many fraternities and sororities on campus that are extremely responsible. However, there are a few bad apples that spoil the batch. Instead of complaining that the University is unfairly enforcing the law, I would suggest they take some proactive measures to solve the problem themselves.