Student input missing

By Editorial

Associated Students is worried that the student community is being excluded from the debate over alcohol policy changes. Vice President Jasper Seldin commented that the university "expects us to act like adults, yet we're treated as children." One problem with this statement is that defying not only school rules, but federal law, and then complaining about the consequences is as childish as you can get.

The question of economic inequality raises further controversy, for some have questioned whether a student with more money would be less deterred by a fine for alcohol violations than a student on shakier financial ground. However, when an underage student in the residence halls consumes alcohol, it is with the full knowledge that if caught, he or she could face a $50 fine. If you can't or don't want to pay, then don't drink. The decision lies solely in the hands of the student.

Now let's discuss the participation of students in the re-vamped alcohol policy of 2004: there was none. There was no discussion, survey, forum, nor any other means for students to express their views on how underage drinking should be handled on campus. And as an issue that affects all campus residents, it seems that these students should have had the chance to be a part of the decision-making.

Fines may be effective, the calling of parents threatening, and planning programs a deterrent, but the issue is not about what the policy states ---- it's about how the policy was established.

This page is pushing for increased student involvement in campus activities, including student life policy. But if the university does not allow students to have some voice in the decision making, their efforts to get involved are fruitless.

This is a call to university officials, student life employees, and policy-makers: let students know when issues such as the campus alcohol policy are up for debate. Students are interested and, given the chance, might even present some good ideas.