When students are too scared to talk
June 15, 2009 by Taylor HanniganPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Student Life
Some say students are reluctant to report drug- or alcohol-related medical emergencies because they don’t want to get in trouble themselves. That concern’s led to a growing trend.
Students can end up facing discipline after seeking help for peers who need medical assistance due to the effects of drugs or alcohol – maybe the call will reveal that they were drinking too, or that they had alcohol in their dorm room.
Should schools do something to remove that potential disincentive? More and more institutions are saying “yes.”
Many schools, such as Emerson College in Boston, have adopted amnesty policies. Students who seek help relating to a drug- or alcohol-related student emergency escape otherwise applicable disciplinary measures.
Should schools give students who report these kinds of emergencies a break? Or do amnesty policies wrongfully condone substance abuse? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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June 17th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Though I agree that students should not be drinking underage, I believe it could save a number of lives if they felt they could report emergency situations without a penalty. Hopefully those experiencing this emergency will realize the danger of excessive drinking, etc. and learn from it. Keeping people from drinking until 21 is ludicrous in my opinion. I don’t think any person can say they waited till they were 21 before they had a drink of alcohol. Let’s get real! I am a mother of three.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I do believe that laws are meant to be kept. However, I do believe that lives could be saved in many instances if the fear of severe penalty that could affect one’s live at a young age in a negative manner were removed. I think that schools should look at amnesty programs and provide counseling in lieu of reporting to law enforcement.