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| 27 March 2001 - Daily Aztec Weber pledges to reduce alcohol abuse Local law enforcement, public heath officials join in By Jessica Zisko Two students flirted with death last semester – the victims of hazing incidents involving alcohol that caused two fraternities to be expelled from campus. This month, 18-year-old David Edward Attias, was charged with four counts of murder after his vehicle struck five people last month, killing four and seriously injuring one. Police say Attias, a freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara, may have been drinking. University President Stephen Weber, along with other higher education and community leaders, are stepping up to combat underage and binge drinking. The San Diego County College Presidents' Forum on Underage and Binge Drinking signed a pledge Thursday that lists guidelines on how to reduce alcohol abuse among college students. The pledge calls for stricter punishments for campus organizations that contribute to underage drinking and manufacturers of phony identification cards. It also supports the increase of more DUI checkpoints and alcohol-free campus housing. "I think laws are important, but I think we have to address the issue that laws are never enough – it is the norm in our society that has allowed high-risk drinking," said state Sen. Dede Alpert (D-San Diego). "We've changed the norm about drunk driving. We've changed the norm about cigarette smoking. I think we have to work harder to change the social norms (about alcohol)." The new group consists of local universities, law enforcement and public health agencies. One of their guidelines is to limit alcohol advertising on campus. The Daily Aztec had already stopped running advertisements for drink specials less than $2. But there are some areas of campus that are still targets of criticism, namely the 20 permanent alcohol signs for the Miller Brewing Company. Twelve of these signs are in Cox Arena, where millions of people tuned in for the NCAA men's basketball championship two weeks ago. Money from sponsorships in the arena is divided between the Associated Students and Athletics. Sponsorships generated more than $84,000 for each group last year. The Miller contract does not expire until 2012. Alcohol abuse on college campuses is an issue even California State University Chancellor Charles Reed is trying to fight. He has appointed a committee of CSU presidents, including Weber, and students to review systemwide alcohol policies. The group has met and is expected to bring recommendations to Reed in the next two months. Weber and the department of Student Affairs intend to hire a permanent alcohol coordinator for the campus, who would focus on alcohol and other drug problems. Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Kitchen said the department is still accepting applications. "We need someone that knows how to get down to business," Kitchen said. The guidelines will be reviewed at the San Diego County Substance Abuse Summit VI in April. Following the workshop, a report will be written. |
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