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Colleges Aggressively Fighting Binge Drinking by Banning Fraternities, Sororities

Colleges Aggressively Fighting Binge Drinking by Banning Fraternities, Sororities
11/14/2017
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Susan Dutca-Lovell

Colleges nationwide have stepped-up and implemented indefinite bans on fraternity and sorority activities in hopes of "battling a culture of alcohol abuse." Some student's parents, however, stated that such restrictions "ruined my so-and-so's cultural life."

The hazing incident at Penn State which led to the death of Timothy Piazza after he was given 18 drinks in 82 minutes is only one of the most recent examples of dangerous binge drinking in college culture. New charges were filed as late as Monday, which revealed surveillance footage taken during the pledge event that led to the 19-year-old's death. 25 Beta Theta Pi members now face charges; some of which include hazing, assault, providing alcohol to a minor and even manslaughter.

Florida State University is one of the schools that has already banned frat and sorority activities following the death of 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, who was found unresponsive after a pledge night at Pi Kappa Phi. Although the Coffey family applauded the ban, some parents were not as supportive. Coffey's tragic death occurred at the beginning of Parents Weekend at Florida State, and some parents were seen "drinking to excess at a local bar with students, some of whom appeared underage." Florida State University President John Thrasher was "flabbergasted” to see parents doing shots with their children.

The University of Michigan has also suspended all Greek Life social events for its fraternities and sororities following multiple reports of hazing, drug use, and sexual assault. "We believe that social events are a privilege, and we, as a community, have not earned this privilege at this time," claimed Executive Vice President Alec Mayhan.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism, about 1,825 college students ages 18-24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes. Do you support the suspension of Greek life activities in response to recent binge drinking fatalities? Why or why not?

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