Spring Break
Low turnout for drug and alcohol forum
Tiffany Glick, Managing Editor, tglick@smu.edu
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: News
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At the forum, attendees had the opportunity to present the task force with questions, comments and possible solutions to the prevalent abuse of alcohol and drugs on campus. Despite being open to the entire SMU community, the number of audience members peaked at around 140 people.
"I'm disappointed more people didn't come," task force co-chair Thomas Tunks said afterward.
Much of the discussion for those in attendance surrounded the possible implementation of "Good Samaritan" and medical amnesty policies. Many students who spoke seemed to be in favor of such policies.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," said vice chair for student concerns, junior Amber Venz. "I think it will go a long way to change the culture of our campus."
With a Good Samaritan policy, if a student tries to help a friend who was drinking or taking drugs, the student who calls for help would not be punished. Under a medical amnesty policy, a student who asked for help with a medical emergency would not face punishment from the university.
One of the first topics discussed concerned the Greek community. One student, who identified himself only as Ryan, felt that residents of Greek houses were being unfairly targeted for alcohol violations by law enforcement on campus.
The task force denied putting a special focus on the Greeks and noted that the Greek community is just highly visible in the school.
"People look to the Greeks for leadership," Board of Trustees member Jean Cox said. "So the Greeks can reach the student body."
Sophomore Mackenzie Warren believes that because SMU PD is no longer handling parking issues, their enforcement focus has negatively shifted.
"I feel like this has really shifted their attention to kind of being the bullies," said Warren. "They're bombarding the fraternity houses."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
Barbara Whitehead
posted 10/23/07 @ 11:45 AM CST
Mandyam missed the point of Briceno's comments about the need for a campus recreational facility. He cited a few specific events that were attemped at H-T. (Continued…)
JMR
posted 10/23/07 @ 4:27 PM CST
As an alum ('83) we ALL had our share of fun, but things seem to have spiraled out of control lately. I have a son 4 years away from attending college and have had a major shift of preference from SMU to TCU (I can't believe it myself). (Continued…)
Anon.
posted 10/24/07 @ 10:24 AM CST
It's Jeanne Tower Cox...not Jean Cox. C'mon guys.
Drug rehab clinic
posted 4/24/08 @ 12:36 PM CST
This is what I call real drug education, young people need to be an active part in this action. Student campuses need this as they represent hot spots for drug abuse. (Continued…)
Lora
posted 6/02/08 @ 7:00 PM CST
Well it is known that it is our younger generation that is becoming the prevalent ones of drug use. In America 1.9 million Americans are admitted to a treatment facility and roughly 30% were under the age of 25. (Continued…)
wilmao
posted 6/19/08 @ 3:18 AM CST
as a concerned citizen authorities must focus also whats happening inside the campus not just outside. they have to be keen observer, but students and teachers too. (Continued…)
gregsimpson76
Vista Bay
posted 9/05/08 @ 12:33 PM CST
I don't know if pool tables and ping pong tables would deter individuals away from drinking as much as one would think. Pool tables and bars go hand in hand and ping pong can quickly be turned into a game of "beer pong. (Continued…)
Drug rehab
posted 9/23/08 @ 12:38 PM CST
That's a shame, this was such a good initiative.
yuvas
posted 10/09/08 @ 3:04 AM CST
One of the first topics discussed concerned the Greek community. One student, who identified himself only as Ryan, felt that residents of Greek houses were being unfairly targeted for alcohol violations by law enforcement on campus. (Continued…)
Narconon Vista Bay
posted 11/11/08 @ 5:12 PM CST
There are so many different things that we can do to keep youngsters off the streets. It is great to hear that here at least they have come with some idea. (Continued…)
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