The Pros And Cons Of A Dry Campus

Some like it, many hate it, but one thing has remained a constant at UAFS since it opened its doors in 1928, which is its status as a “dry” campus. A dry campus simply means that the possession and/or consumption of alcohol is prohibited on campus grounds, regardless of age. Some argue that having a dry campus that many students are being put at risk because of the University policies that urge students to leave campus when it comes to drinking. It has been said that Universities that choose to remain dry are risking the lives of the leaders of tomorrow for better statistics today. While this may seem excessive and a bit of an overreaction at first, there are statistics on this subject suggest otherwise. I spoke with University Officials, students, …show more content…
As convenient as it would be to meet in the middle on this issue, this would prove to be more difficult than it seems. Some have suggested that UAFS take a page out of UA Fayetteville’s playbook and institute the red solo cup rule, which is an unspoken but widely know policy where students of all ages are allowed to carry red solo cups around campus without being investigated by the campus police. Although this seems to work at UofA, the smaller size of UAFS could get them into some serious trouble. With less than 1000 students living on campus and thus making up the nightlife demographic of the school, having the potential of underage students drinking alcohol out of solo cups could hold the school undoubtably liable, which clearly isn 't a risk that administration isn 't going to …show more content…
However, after analyzing the differences in opinions and effects that this policy has on individuals on campus, it leads one to wonder if the University owes its students an explanation having for this policy. It is no secret that drunk driving is an issue that takes the lives of young people each year, with UAFS losing a student to it just last spring. Students are aware of the damage that can be done to their reputation just based on a single mistake made on campus, a mistake that isn 't considered one if taking a step off campus. Crises that can be avoided by simply changing one of the campus policies. From the administration’s perspective, it is debatable whether having a “wet” or “dry” campus better benefits the school. But to the students that go here, there is no such debate. This is a policy that can only negatively the effect the students who are bound by it. So the real question to be asked is this: what does the University truly care about; the well being of its students, or the well being of