UNT seeks to deter underage drinking

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - 14:46
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DENTON (UNT) Texas – After an accident in a fraternity house, UNT has placed a ban on alcohol at all Greek Life events while the Dean of Students leads a task force to promote the responsible and legal use of alcohol.

In addition, UNT Police have obtained warrants to arrest seven individuals for furnishing alcohol to minors. The arrests are the result of an 11-day investigation into an accident at the UNT Delta Sigma Phi house at 4:30 a.m. January 26 where a student fell over a stairway railing.

The police investigation found that minors allegedly were furnished alcohol at multiple locations on and off campus January 25 and 26.

The police investigation raises concerns about the availability of alcohol to minors as a part of Greek Life, according to Elizabeth With, vice president for student affairs.

“Furnishing alcohol to a minor is illegal, and so is the consumption of alcohol by minors. When it comes to our students, UNT will not tolerate either and we are committed to help prevent it from happening,” With said.

“At UNT, when we are made aware of issues involving our student body we take action,” With said. “With the creation of this task force we will be taking more aggressive steps to educate our students about the risks of underage drinking. And we are starting with our Greek community.”

The Dean of Students is investigating all violations of the Code of Student Conduct and will take actions accordingly.

The ban on alcohol means that alcohol is strictly prohibited at all Greek Life events, either on or off campus. A Greek Life event includes, but is not limited to, parties, mixers and icebreakers, date parties, formals or any event involving a Greek student organization.

The task force will include Greek Life students, chapter and campus advisors to Greek organizations, and faculty.

“The task force outcomes will ensure that students are more aware of the importance of making responsible decisions, and will help guide them in reinforcing appropriate practices and standards in their organizations,” With said.

“The Greek community at UNT contributes in important ways to the campus culture of academic commitment, leadership, service, personal development and pride. We need to continue to help students in Greek organizations understand that’s their organization’s focus,” With said.

 

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