Published September 1998 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Ending a Deadly Trend
Over the years, the culture of colleges has, unfortunately, changed from one of academics and study to one consumed too much with partying. Gathering at the library to prepare for an exam has taken a backseat to swilling beers at a party or ordering a round of shots at the closest bar. Surveys show that more than 85 percent of all college students, most of whom are under age 21, imbibe alcohol, whether it be a beer, a glass of wine, or some other potent concoction. More than 40 percent of the students are binge drinkers, consuming five or more drinks at one sitting within a two-week period. The risks associated with these trends are enormous. In the past two years, there have been several incidents in which students have died due to alcohol poisoning or excessive inebriation. In Virginia, for instance, five students died within a one-month time span in alcohol-related accidents. Alcohol is a factor in the three leading causes of death for 15- to 24-year-olds - accidents, homicides, and suicides. Links have been identified between alcohol use and teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. To address these troubling statistics, I added an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1998 aimed at reducing alcohol use at the nation's colleges and universities. My amendment establishes a program to annually recognize ten schools across the country that have developed innovative and effective alcohol prevention policies. Through this program, each eligible institution, in recognition of its efforts to combat alcohol abuse, will receive a grant of $50,000 to help maintain and improve each respective program. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will distribute a publication to prospective college students and their parents through high school guidance counselors highlighting these schools' efforts. Already, West Virginia's colleges and universities are taking steps to combat the problem of alcohol abuse. At West Virginia University (WVU), for example, the school's administration and student leaders have been working with Morgantown officials to find ways to avoid the problems related to binge drinking. WVU also provides late-night activities for students who might otherwise have considered drinking. In addition to offering alternatives, WVU provides an integrated program of alcohol abuse prevention, including the recent hiring of two drug and alcohol educators. Schools that excel in combating alcohol abuse on campus deserve special recognition. It is my hope that these schools will move others to take a stronger stance against underage drinking by students. September 16, 1998