Stanford just imposed a new policy that majority of students may not be ecstatic about. School is about to kick off again but drinking hard liquor at on-campus parties has just become a thing of the past.
Following a highly publicized sexual assault case that involved then-freshman swimmer Brock Turner, the Stanford administration is banning the drinking of hard liquor at on-campus parties. Only mixed drinks are allowed to be served on parties exclusive for graduate students.
Good news for students who love beer and wine because the two beverages are not banned. For students aged 21 and above who stay at on-campus dormitories, only liquor bottles smaller than 750 ml would be tolerated (via NPR).
Stanford University said in a statement as reported by NPR that smaller liquor bottles are priced higher than the bigger ones which may discourage students from buying in the first place. The stores that sell hard liquor around Stanford University are expected to experience a decrease in sales and may eventually change their locations.
Those who would be caught in violation of the new policy may be kicked out of on-campus housing, and suffer any consequences the administration may deem fit such as attending alcohol education seminars and counseling. The main aim of the new policy is to reduce high-risk behavior that is said to be caused by excessive drinking.
As per Stanford Daily, 91.46 percent or 2,323 students are against the hard liquor ban. A petition was also signed by 1,720 people showing their opposition to the ban. It is very unpopular, especially among college students who regard this life phase as their first breath of full freedom.
Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Greg Boardman challenges students to be disciplined and comply with the new policy instead of devising ways to avoid being caught with hard liquor. According to him, messing with the new hard liquor ban would be inconsiderate of concerns by other students and would just contribute to the existing problem (via Los Angeles Times).
As for other professors in Stanford University, the new policy steers away the discourse from the real root cause of sexual assault cases, which is lack of consent and not drunkenness. It takes responsibility away from Stanford, according to one professor (via NPR).
Do you think that banning alcoholic drinks inside the campus would help Stanford University prevent assault cases from happening? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
