President Turner released his decisions regarding the Task Force Report on Tuesday, with 36 of the 38 suggestions getting his seal of approval. Of those 36, Turner only partially approved some of the recommendations. Two suggestions – implementing an on-campus pub and allowing Greek organizations to hold on-campus parties that include alcohol – were rejected. While EdBoard commends the university for addressing our school’s problem with drugs and alcohol, we feel that President Turner’s decisions will not fix the situation.
The main problem lies in the partial acceptance of some of those suggestions. Have a friend who needs medical help? According to Turner, the Good Samaritan policy will encourage students to seek help. In addition, the new medical amnesty policy will encourage students to seek help for themselves. But in reality, these policies don’t offer amnesty from getting in trouble. Students who act under these policies will be protected from sanctions and be required to participate in alcohol- and drug-education programs. But SMU PD still has the power to arrest or cite students for public intoxication or use of illegal drugs. This loophole won’t encourage some students to call for help because they can still get in trouble.
Another problem with the approved suggestions is the probable lack of enforcement. Turner approved the recommendation that all Greek recruitment activities be alcohol-free. A quick journey back to reality will show that there’s no way this can be enforced. As for gaining “agreement from Greek leaders to discourage all organized parties, including the use of buses, on school nights,” this, too, is a recommendation that won’t be followed. Like it or not, Thursday parties will take place.
Because of this, the decisions regarding the six academic recommendations will also be futile. Students will go to parties regardless of whether or not they have class the next day. This means that more students will skip Friday classes or will show up to class hungover. The same goes for an increased load in class assignments – students who don’t care about their classes won’t do the work. In addition, those students who were already putting effort into their classes will be punished with more work.
President Turner’s decisions will do nothing to bring about a fundamental change in campus culture. But while EdBoard feels that most of the policies implemented should be reconsidered, we feel that Turner’s decisions about the Health Center are worthwhile. Giving students more access to on-campus medical services is the best decision he made, in addition to getting rid of AlcoholEdu (we only wish this decision had been made sooner).
