Codey Requests Stevens Drinking Policy
Discussion about drinking sparked on campus
Ann DeStefano
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: Campus News
The Stevens alcohol policy clearly states, "In compliance with current New Jersey laws, the Institute prohibits the consumption of alcohol by students or their guests who are under the age of 21, on or off campus." The state is looking at this policy after taking notice of Stevens' joining of the "Amethyst Initiative," a national initiative to debate whether the drinking age should remain at 21 or be lowered to 18.
State Senate President Richard Codey has requested the alcohol policies of all colleges, both private and public, in New Jersey as well as announcing there may be legislative hearings investigating underage drinking on the campuses of these schools.
Stevens' President Harold Raveché signed this initiative with the presidents of Drew University and Montclair State University, as well as those of nearly 140 other colleges throughout the country. Codey feels the fact some schools have even signed onto the initiative is sending a "bad signal."
"Even to raise the specter that we should lower the drinking age to 18 is wrong," Codey told the Star Ledger.
University Vice President Maureen Weatherall confirmed that Stevens gladly complied with Senator Codey's request, and with no hesitation sent copies of the school alcohol policy as well as other materials for review. Weatherall stressed that Stevens was not signing a petition to lower the drinking age but rather discuss the issue.
"There needs to be a discussion, as Dr. Raveche said, on campus," she said.
There has been criticism in response to the Amethyst Initiative from organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Many of the college presidents who signed the initiative were "deluged," as Weatherall said, with e-mails because of their involvement with the initiative. However, Stevens stands firm in the decision to sign on.
"I think it was the right decision," Weatherall said.
The Stevens alcohol policies also state that "all residents must comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances," and that students are held to a code of conduct concerning drinking. Policy also states that a student under 21 found violating these laws will have parents involved and judiciary action taken such as a fine or possible suspension. Weatherall explained that her role at Stevens is to enforce these policies and laws however, everything is not perfect.
State Senate President Richard Codey has requested the alcohol policies of all colleges, both private and public, in New Jersey as well as announcing there may be legislative hearings investigating underage drinking on the campuses of these schools.
Stevens' President Harold Raveché signed this initiative with the presidents of Drew University and Montclair State University, as well as those of nearly 140 other colleges throughout the country. Codey feels the fact some schools have even signed onto the initiative is sending a "bad signal."
"Even to raise the specter that we should lower the drinking age to 18 is wrong," Codey told the Star Ledger.
University Vice President Maureen Weatherall confirmed that Stevens gladly complied with Senator Codey's request, and with no hesitation sent copies of the school alcohol policy as well as other materials for review. Weatherall stressed that Stevens was not signing a petition to lower the drinking age but rather discuss the issue.
"There needs to be a discussion, as Dr. Raveche said, on campus," she said.
There has been criticism in response to the Amethyst Initiative from organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Many of the college presidents who signed the initiative were "deluged," as Weatherall said, with e-mails because of their involvement with the initiative. However, Stevens stands firm in the decision to sign on.
"I think it was the right decision," Weatherall said.
The Stevens alcohol policies also state that "all residents must comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances," and that students are held to a code of conduct concerning drinking. Policy also states that a student under 21 found violating these laws will have parents involved and judiciary action taken such as a fine or possible suspension. Weatherall explained that her role at Stevens is to enforce these policies and laws however, everything is not perfect.