Earlier this summer the student body received an email from the administration announcing a ban on open containers of alcohol on campus. The WSA unanimously opposed this restriction because we felt such a policy was not in the best interest of the student body or the university community. We remain concerned that open container restrictions could increase dangerous pre-gaming, encourage the use of hard alcohol, and generally make students less safe.
Student representatives were also concerned that the restriction might lead to undesirable increases in indoor alcohol consumption. Such a shift in drinking patterns—to behind closed doors—could make alcohol use more difficult to monitor and decrease transparency. The Student Judicial Board voiced similar concerns when they worked with the WSA to oppose the policy last spring.
The administration has indicated that the primary purpose of the open container ban is to address problems associated with transient drinking as well as help clarify expectations for alcohol use on campus. While we recognize the importance of these objectives, we believe similar goals could have been achieved through educational programs.
Over the next few months the WSA will work with the administration to clarify the open container policy and help develop an implementation strategy. While we cannot support the restriction, we hope our efforts will minimize many of the adverse effects we fear the policy could have on student life. So far we are grateful that VP Michael Whaley agreed to amend the original language and allow for the consumption of alcohol on Foss Hill and in the backyards of senior houses.
In the future, the WSA will continue to work with the administration and advocate on behalf of the student body for a sensible alcohol and drug policy. We hope that our common goal–insuring the safety of Wesleyan students–can be pursued through awareness and education rather than limitations on student freedoms.
More information about the WSA’s work with AOD policy will be made available as soon as the full assembly is able to meet in the fall. Students are encouraged to present any concerns or questions to the WSA at its email address, wsa@wesleyan.edu.
Sincerely,
Micah Feiring’11, Student Body President
Joe O’Donnell’13, Student Affairs Committee (Chair)
I would actually support banning drinking on Foss, just because it would help clear up all the trash people leave there in the spring.
In my opinion, the policy in its current form will help the monitoring of alcohol consumption simply by concentrating it into an more easily managed area. To me, transient drinking is a much bigger issue than students give thought to. Walking while intoxicated around the neighborhood makes one extremely vulnerable. He or she may lose the group he was with which will increase the risk of injuring himself or becoming the victim of a mugging or car accident.
However, if there must be open container drinking on campus, it should definitely be restricted to appropriate residential areas. I think a good policy would be a “Cut-Out” ban, restricting the consumption of alcohol from College Row to Foss Hill Drive and from Church Street to Wyllys Avenue
Banning transient drinking won’t put a dent in transient drunkenness.
That said, does anybody else see this as (at least in part) a response to Tour de Franzia? I was in ST Lab that night and wine was shed. I feel sorry for the folks who had to clean it up.