Let’s just get ‘em a beer
March 18, 2009
As many of us travel to class today with blurry green memories, we are doubly bummed. Not only are we nursing painful hangovers, we are doing so on a Wednesday.
We should take this time to think about exactly what it is St. Patrick’s Day is about and why it is so dubious.
Christmas is always hailed as an important religious holiday that has been stripped of its meaning by popular culture. But St. Patrick’s Day makes Christmas look as tame and sober as a Good Friday service at Ben Stein’s house.
Believe it or not, yesterday was technically a religious holiday. Luckily, almost no one knows about it or cares.
It’s a day for alcohol. And, now that it’s over, let’s reflect on that subject.
Contrary to popular belief, Americans aren’t unique in our greed, our undying embrace of capitalism, or our love of 50-inch plasma televisions.
Where we are unique, is in our paranoia over drinking.
We have the highest drinking age in the developed world (as well as the highest teen pregnancy rate), and it’s normal here to see 60-year-old men get carded at a restaurant and refused service if they can’t provide proper identification.
Have you ever really wondered what’s up with that? If there really is some 20-year-old guy walking around with deep wrinkles, gray hair and a huge bald spot, he’s got way bigger problems to solve. Get that man a beer!
Here at Fresno State we’ve seen American alcohol paranoia a lot this past year, most prominently in the ASI scandals that have rocked the campus.
The first involved Mackee Mason and Sandra Flores, who were of age themselves, but didn’t prevent others who were underage from drinking in their presence at a retreat in July. Thus, they violated ASI’s “substance free” policy and lost their positions.
Don’t kid yourself. The violation wasn’t the issue, it was the alcohol. Would they have gotten scolded for not stopping other drivers from breaking the speed limit en route to the conference? Of course not.
Mason was really screwed after they found out he had bought alcohol twice with an ASI credit card. Students were outraged at how their student fees were being spent.
But it wasn’t the money either, it was the alcohol. He was fully expected to pay for his dinner on the card, just not the drinks his party had with it. Had the same amount of money been spent on a few extra slices of cheesecake we’d never have heard about it.
This semester, new ASI president Graham Wahlberg’s refrigerator incriminated him when it was randomly searched and found to contain (gasp!) beer cans. Wahlberg is of age, but some of his roommates aren’t.
Did they expect him to hide beer under his bed? In a closet? Even more terrifying, did they expect him to drink it warm!?
All the while, alcohol-related posters on campus don’t even attempt to discourage underage drinking, because people know better.
Why are we so paranoid about this subject? What are we afraid of? Obviously Wahlberg, Flores and Mason’s alcohol consumption didn’t stop them from reaching the top of student government, and it didn’t stop the underage senators on the trip from reaching their positions.
Yes, drunk driving ruins lives and so does teenage pregnancy, but these are not the issues at hand. Education is the key here, not unrealistic legal consumption ages and overblown media reactions to the very mention of the “A” word.
America, it’s time to go to class, nurse our hangovers and relax. Get this country a beer!
Wahlberg’s alcohol violation appeal denied
February 25, 2009
Bryan Cole / The Collegian File Photo
After an appeal to University Courtyard was denied last week, Associated Student, Inc. (ASI) President Graham Wahlberg said he will continue to fight a citation that charges him with violating the residence halls’ alcohol policy.
Wahlberg was cited on Dec. 19 after University Courtyard conducted a random room inspection.
In his personal refrigerator, which had been located in a common area of his suite, alcoholic beverages were present.
University Courtyard Staff Director Erin Boele stated via e-mail, “Typically, you are informed at least 24 hours in advance of a room check, unless an emergency arises, when no notice may be given.”
Wahlberg, however, said that neither he nor his roommates were given any notice.
He said that he has been told by University Courtyard officials that he signed a letter at the beginning of the semester agreeing to any random inspection without any notice necessary.
“This is absolutely a personal matter. The fact that it happened on campus and because of my position it puts me out there,” said Wahlberg.
“I’m just like everyone else.”
Appeals process
Wahlberg said the most frustrating aspect of the situation has been the appeals process and the investment of 15-20 hours of his personal time to solving the matter.
The University Courtyard Web site states that appeals can only be submitted due to “lack of due process, sanction too severe for the violation or new evidence that comes to light after the decision is made.”
Students who believe they have just reason to appeal must give a written statement for why they are appealing. Then five to ten days later, a student will appear in front of an appeals committee to plea their case.
Wahlberg: Citation too vague
The most aggravating part of the process is that Wahlberg felt he didn’t even understand why he was being cited.
“We didn’t even know what we were being charged of,” said Wahlberg.
“The U.S. Constitution says you can’t be charged for something and not know what you are being charged of. So how on earth can you appeal something if you don’t even know what you are appealing?”
Wahlberg appealed his case last week and on Thursday received notice that his appeal had been denied.
But he has stated that he will continue to appeal the citation as a means of saving his character.
“What is unfortunate for me is by admitting I’m wrong, I’m lowering my character and integrity,” said Wahlberg.
“I am essentially accepting their punishment and admitting I am wrong.”
Routine search finds beer cans
Boele said that these types of inspections are routine and occur for each room once a semester.
The University Courtyard staff and the resident advisory staff conduct them.
If Wahlberg’s second appeal doesn’t go through and he accepts the punishment he will be forced, alongside his roommates, to enroll in a $30 alcohol health class.
“I was given a written notice because they decided to stretch the rules rather than looking at them as they are directly stated, so that I am guilty,” Wahlberg said.
There are 12 ways in which students residing at University Courtyard can violate the alcohol policy.
Wahlberg received a written notice that he was being cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to people under the age of 21 by having alcohol in his personal refrigerator, which was located in a common area of the suite. Wahlberg’s suite includes some residents under the age of 21.
Even though he says he was not physically giving alcohol to minors or advocating his possession of it, the University Courtyard saw it as enough reason to issue the citation.
In addition, Wahlberg said that he and his roommates had filled a couple of black plastic bags with recycling.
The bags were in a corner and tightly sealed, and those inspecting his room went through the bags and found several beer cans that contributed to the issuing of the citation.
“This is a question of probable cause. There is this thing called preponderance of evidence, which is a standard not even close to those outlined in the Constitution,” said Wahlberg.
“Their standard of evidence is a preponderance, where if there is a perception of something they feel they have the right to investigate it.”
Boele said that due to confidentiality of the case, housing officials were unable to comment on the specifics of the situation.
She issued a statement that said, “Because of FERPA privacy regulations, University Courtyard cannot confirm or deny any rumors or allegations.”
Campus alcohol arrests down
December 5, 2008
From 2005 to 2007, the most frequently occurring crimes at Fresno State have been liquor law violations. More than 600 incidents of liquor law violations have been reported on campus and in student housing, far out-pacing other high-number crimes like burglary, auto theft and drug offenses.
While the university’s annual security report shows a decline in the number of arrests for liquor law violations on campus during this time, the report also shows a big increase in what the university calls “disciplinary referrals” for liquor law violations.
According to the campus’ 2008 Annual Security Report:
• In 2005 there were 80 arrests for liquor law violations on campus and in student housing, compared with 100 disciplinary referrals;
• In 2006, there were 24 arrests, compared with 207 referrals;
• In 2007, there were seven arrests, compared with 196 referrals.
University Police released the report earlier this semester. The crime statistics must be reported each year in accordance with the 1998 Jeanne Clery Act, which mandates that an annual security report with statistics of reported crimes on or around campus must be made available to all students and staff. The report must also include institutional policies on issues like drug and alcohol use, weapons and violence.
According to Paul Oliaro, Ph.D, the vice president of student affairs, Fresno State has made a concerted effort in the last several years to promote alcohol education and responsible drinking on campus. But those efforts, he said, must balance with enforcement of the law.
Oliaro said the university’s Alcohol Safety Council has a faculty pledge to make alcohol education programs available to students. He said more than 40 faculty members are involved with the subcommittee, and that the faculty involved share this information with students in classes.
“We believe our efforts have made an impact, though we know circumstances will arise to affect the number of arrests and referrals for discipline from year to year,” Oliaro said.
Each case is different
According to the campus policy regarding alcohol use, students age 21 and over may consume alcohol on campus in the privacy of their residences if they have approval from the director of housing. Students may not be under the influence of alcohol elsewhere on campus.
Students cannot drink alcohol outside their rooms or in any public area, or they may have to answer to University Police. Students who are caught violating the policy may be arrested or may face a disciplinary referral.
Amy Armstrong, public information officer for the University Police, said many of the liquor law violations are reported from the student housing area. University Police responds to calls about underage drinking in the dorms and can arrest students and also make them pour out their beer.
“There isn’t really a typical example of a liquor law violation,” Armstrong said. “They are all different. But most are for minors in possession of alcohol.”
Referrals to Judicial Affairs
Breaking the liquor laws can earn students a bundle of punishment.
Campus police reports show that when a student is caught violating the alcohol policy in the university housing area, the reports are sometimes forwarded to the dean of students and the director of student housing for further discipline, when appropriate. Campus police reports can also be forwarded to the Fresno District Attorney’s office.
According to Joyce Ester, the associate vice president of judicial affairs, punishment from Judicial Affairs for liquor law violations can result in anything from probationary status to suspension from the university, depending on the severity of the crime.
Judicial Affairs is the university’s office that disciplines students, separate from civil and criminal justice authorities. According to Oliaro, Ester handles all disciplinary cases as a judicial officer.
“If someone is going to be expelled, then it’s coming through this office,” Ester said.
According to Ester, once a police report with a complaint about a student is received by Judicial Affairs, a letter is sent to the student. Then, the student must attend an informal conference with Ester where they can respond to the violation and possibly resolve it. Ester said that most student conduct matters are resolved at the informal conference stage.
For minor offenses occurring in the University Housing area, Oliaro has also appointed Michele Davis as a judicial officer. More serious offenses are still handled by Ester, he said.
According to Davis, there are disciplinary sanctions that are imposed on students for violating the alcohol policy. Sanctions include warnings, fines, mandatory room changes and termination of housing license agreements. Residents of the University Courtyard may also be required to go to alcohol education classes, do community service or even be assigned a reading or writing assignment for liquor law violations.
Enforcement continues
Armstrong also said that University Police isn’t the only agency contributing to the Clery report numbers. Since the university’s boundaries touch the cities of both Fresno and Clovis, some of the statistics come from the Fresno and Clovis police departments, she said.
According to the security report, Fresno and Clovis police have contributed an additional 64 arrests for liquor law violations for the public areas bordering the campus.
By the time a student has completed his or her requirements in response to a liquor law violation, that student may have been arrested, stripped of all alcohol, assigned community service, attended alcohol education classes, paid fines and more.
Despite the time and resources involved with the penalties, balancing the high number of liquor law violations with the university’s focus on responsible drinking and enforcement of the law will continue to be a challenge.
Oliaro said: “This is an ongoing effort. I’ve been working on this [myself] for six years.”
Crime stats online
For more information about campus crime,
• Click here for the full 2008 Annual Security Report and a one-page statistical summary.
• Or, you can request a copy by visiting the University Police Department on Barstow Avenue or the Police Pavilion Center inside the University Student Union.
Wellness is ‘Wicked’
October 23, 2008
The second annual Wicked Wellness Carnival focused on educating students about drunken driving through fun activities.
ASI elects new execs, revises code of conduct
October 16, 2008
In the wake of the resignation of ASI President Mackee Mason and Executive Vice President Sandra Flores, Associated Students, Inc., elected new executives to those positions Wednesday, Oct. 15. The senators also voted on amendments to the code of conduct.
Drinking age should stay at 21
October 13, 2008
I DON’T DRINK AND I ALSO DON’T AGREE IN CHANGING the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. I’ve heard it before; people ask me why I care if the legal drinking age changes given that I don’t drink.
The truth is that before, I wasn’t opposed to reducing the legal drinking age. I thought it wouldn’t affect me because I didn’t drink.
But I was wrong. Three years ago, my thoughts about drinking changed drastically.
My friend, who I called ‘Calde,’ was killed by a drunk driver.
Calde was only 22 years old and was engaged to be married to my cousin Elizabeth. But he was killed two months before their wedding. Calde was on his way to visit my cousin Elizabeth when he was hit by the drunk driver.
Instead of Elizabeth welcoming her fiancé into her home, she received the worst news of her life.
I remember my cousin locking herself in her room for weeks, not being able to do anything but cry. It was hard for everyone to lose such a close friend.
Calde was a son, a fiancé, a brother of seven and a friend to many. He was the class clown and he always made everyone laugh.
Yet, it was much more difficult for my cousin to accept that her fiancé was killed — especially when she had to sell her wedding dress to get money for her fiancé’s funeral.
This incident affected my cousin a lot, but it also affected the way I saw drinking.
The driver, who killed Calde, was over 21 but he still didn’t have the common sense to not drive drunk.
How much more will an 18 year-old who just got a license?
Of course, I understand not all people are irresponsible, but I prefer to keep all possible threats off the road, where they might be a danger to others.
President John Welty recently made it very clear that he would not support the Amethyst Initiative and he rejected the invitation in September.
The Amethyst Initiative is an organization comprised of U.S. college presidents and chancellors that are calling for the reconsideration of U.S. drinking age laws, particularly the minimum age of 21, which was established in 1984 by the National Minimum Purchase Age Act.
Although many may not agree, I support President Welty’s decision to not support the Amethyst Initiative. I believe the legal drinking age should stay at age 21.
I’ve heard many people say that we should reduce the drinking age to 18 because teenagers drink more as an act of rebellion.
While others say that keeping the drinking age at 21 saves lives, I prefer to save lives rather then giving into a teenager’s rebellion.
Because, one day the life saved might be my family, my friend or my fiancé.
There is no way to prove how many lives will be saved from potential car accidents if the legal drinking age is kept at age 21, but we can show how many lives might be lost if we change the drinking age to 18.
An Arizona Department of Public Safety report found that traffic fatalities increased more than 35 percent after the state’s legal alcohol purchase age was lowered from age 21 to 19.
Statistics show that lowering the legal drinking age is fatal.
But, personal experience makes one feel the pain of losing a loved one to a drunk driver.
And there is no way that allowing a teenager to drink before age 21 is worth a person’s life.
At least not in my book.
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