Drinking age
debate misguided
In 1984, one of the boldest steps ever to stop drunk driving and to
change the culture around underage drinking took place - passage of the
21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age law, subsequently saving more than 25,000
lives.
Some college presidents are requesting a debate on the law despite facts
that are challenging the Amethyst Initiative:
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Statistics testify to the truth that more deaths occur with the lowering of the drinking age. There is nearly a 20 percent drop in accidents among adolescents when the drinking age is pushed back to 21.
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Approximately 50 highly reputable studies have found conclusively that MLDA decreases alcohol-related fatalities by at least 16 percent.
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Because the brain continues to develop into the early/mid-20s, drinking before this can impair cognitive function irreversibly.
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In countries with lower drinking ages, intoxication is much more common among young people than in the United States.
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The Surgeon General's report on reducing underage alcohol use recommends proven evidence-based strategies to reduce high-risk alcohol use.
I have had more than 30 years involvement with
West Texas A&M University as a student, alumni board member, tenured
faculty, coach and senior administrator/dean of students. I have always
been proud of WT and especially the outstanding students and parents I
had opportunity to work with. My philosophy has always been to help
students make healthy choices in all areas of life. As senior
administrator for student services, I challenged my staff that we have
been entrusted with the most valuable possession a parent has and we
will make every effort to help their student reach their potential.
I have had opportunity since my retirement to work with state and
federal agencies to empower students to change the social culture on
their campus and in their communities. Research findings will
demonstrate that lowering the drinking age will not contribute to
healthy lifestyles.
David Watts, president of University of Texas of the Permian Basin
states that it is a mistake to consider lowering the drinking age. He is
quoted by the Midland Reporter-Telegram as saying that "there's always a
problem with alcohol use on campus, but if you lower the drinking age,
you're going to have a lot more problems." Watts has made alcohol and
other drug abuse prevention a priority in his strategic plan for
UT-Permian Basin.
As a member of the Governor's Texas Drug Demand Reduction Advisory
Committee, we have recommended mandating alcohol screening and
motivational interviewing of all students who violate alcohol policies.
Utilizing the Texas A&M University model, we recommend mandating
parental notification for all under age 21 student alcohol violations.
Parents supporting their students financially have a right to be
informed.
I am pleased that Panhandle legislators authored the only legislation
passed during the last session that deals with reducing substance abuse.
Rep. John Smithee, Rep. Joe Heflin and Sen. Bob Duncan authored Senate
Bill 1138, which requires all campus organizations to mandate a risk
management program for all student organizations and their members. Gov.
Rick Perry signed the bill into law. This is a big step in reducing
high-risk substance abuse on our campuses and in our communities.
The Amethyst Initiative would not be in line with the latest research,
actions of the legislators of the Panhandle region and the constituents
who support the university. Parents do not want a party school but an
institution of higher education that will give their students a quality
education in a healthy environment.
The WT president - as the leader of an institution entrusted to develop
the potential of our youth - should cease his support of the Amethyst
Initiative.
Mary Hill
31 August 2008
http://www.amarillo.com/stories/083108/opi_opin3.shtml