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Erin Horst
Published: September 17, 2008

DUBUQUE – Alcohol abuse is a recurring problem in our society, especially on college campuses. Hundreds of college presidents have decided it is time to do something about it.

When you are eighteen you can vote, be called to jury duty, serve your country in a war, but you cannot drink alcohol.

“I think we are also mature enough to consume alcohol or to make that choice,” said Loras student Drew Chapman.

The option to drink at eighteen is not about to be changed anytime soon, but the topic is up for discussion.

It is called the Amethyst Initiative. It is a public statement with over 130 signatures including many college presidents.

“I signed it because, I for one passionately believe that society has fallen asleep thinking that just because we have a twenty-one drinking regulation means that it is resolving all the world’s problems,” said Loras College President Jim Collins.

President Jim Collins recently added his name to the list of about sixty other college presidents open to the discussion, but it is not just about the drinking regulation.

“It’s about what we can do to further foster a dialogue and a conversation in the country, to mitigate this obsession with having to get drunk to have fun,” adds Collins.

Although many have signed on for this debate, not everyone is convinced it is the right thing to do.

Clarke College President Joanne Burrows said, “We have not yet made a decision regarding the

Amethyst Initiative, we believe that it requires serious consideration by the college’s leadership team before forming a conclusion.”

President Collins hopes those involved are able to bring the initiative to action within the year.

Erin Horst can be contacted at Erin.Horst@lctv13.com