Clemson Implements Alcohol Program

Campus leaders at Clemson University say something like this has been needed for a long time, while some students say they’re simply too afraid to seek help for friends that have been drinking. And recent incidents over the past year prove the university needs to do something about it.

Call it the mark of any college campus. “If people want to party, they will party,” says Casey Yarborough.

And at Clemson, like many other school, students say alcohol is everywhere.

“I think a lot of people come to college for a good time, and our kids overdo it. People are going to make that mistake.”

The mistake cost 18-year old Benjamin Sprague his life. The Greenville freshman passed out after a night of drinking at his fraternity house, and he never woke up. For Student Body President Callie Boyd, that was a sign.

“We gotta do something about this,” Boyd said.

Something needed to be done. Boyd, with help from other student leaders, drew up a policy. It says, if students seek help for a friend after a night of drinking, the University will not punish them.

“If we can promote responsibility, then I think that’s exactly what we need to do.”

However there are some strings attached. If underage drinking is involved, law enforcement still has the final say. And for those that say the rule will only encourage more drinking, Boyd disagrees.

“It’s not like it’s a free for all. You drink, you pass out, and you don’t get punished,” Boyd said. “There’s education and I think it’s really important to remember.”

The plan is already getting approval from students.

“Just to know that you can take someone in, and you’re not going to be punished for that, it’s a win situation,” says Charlton Rustin.

“If it helps save one persons life, in the next however many years, it’s worth it,” Boyd said.

The next step is education. Boyd says she and other campus leaders will be going out informing students that the policy exists, and they don’t have to be afraid to seek help. They’ll also be reviewing the policy in the next couple of years, to determine whether it’s really working.

News Channel 7