Each fall parents and students confront the issue of underage drinking on college campuses. Many college leaders, particularly in Massachusetts, are promoting the Amethyst Initiative, an effort to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. Supporters argue that current laws do not effectively inhibit underage students from drinking.  So far, the initiative has gained 130 signatures from college presidents and chancellors. The signees do not all necessarily “support the lowering of the drinking age from 21 to 18,” says Salem State College president Patricia Maguire Meservey.  Rather, Ms. Meservey signed the initiative in order to spark “a dialogue that will force us to examine the growing drinking problem among our youth.” While proponents of the Amethyst Initiative hope to shine light on the dangerous issues of binge drinking and other reckless behavior caused by alcohol, several organizations that regulate underage drinkers are concerned.  Stephen Wallace, chairman of Students Against Destructive Decisions, said “lowering the drinking age will only exacerbate the problem.” SADD reaches out to the youth to inform them of the risks of drinking. Stonehill College student Matt Durand, 20, backs the initiative.  “They’re going to drink anyway,” says Durand.  “If drinking weren’t demonized, they wouldn’t drink nearly as much.”

More from the Columbia Missourian
More from the Daily Pennsylvanian
More from the Boston Herald
More from Allston-Brighton TAB
More from the Lower Hudson Journal news
More from KEYC-TV News
More from University of North Carolina student newspaper, The Technician
More from the UCLA newspaper, The Daily Bruin
More from the Amethyst Initiative
More from Gather
More from the Bowdoin College newspaper, The Orient