St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B. recently banned alcohol in one of its residences after incidents of vandalism by drunk students. Such a move by university authorities is simplistic and cannot be considered an effective solution to the problem.
The decision was made based on two incidents of vandalism. While the university had proof the perpetrators were drunk, the solution cannot simply be banning everyone in the residence from having alcohol. The majority of residents could very well be peaceful and moderate drinkers, and don’t deserve such a heavy-handed ban.
The university risks driving people away from the residence in question, and forcing residents to drink off-campus, which may be more dangerous. The ban might actually make the problem worse, by forcing students to drink secretly and putting them in direct conflict with university security over an activity that was previously legal.
Universities should avoid simplistic solutions and sweeping decisions to solve problems like this. At Carleton’s residences, for instance, alcohol is permitted but glass bottles are not. Rather than a sweeping ban, limits and controls on alcohol consumption can be enforced more effectively and will get better results.
At St. Thomas, students in the residence welcomed the ban by getting drunk on the first day of it taking effect. The university has simply brought on itself a mammoth policing task and isn’t any closer to solving the problem.
The university will re-visit the ban next semester, and here’s hoping they do the right thing.
