Lobby colleges to forbid alcohol
Gov. Rauner signed a bill to allow the board of trustees of public universities and community colleges to decide whether to allow the sale of alcohol at public events. Did politicians and university officials consider the high costs of alcohol?
The economic cost of alcohol is $807 per person per year, whether you drink or not. The cost is $249 billion annually, according to Center for Disease Control.
Underage drinking and alcohol abuse by college students are a major concern both for individuals and the campus community. Virtually all students experience the effects of college drinking, whether they drink or not.
One fourth of college students experience academic consequences due to drinking and 20 percent meet the criteria for alcohol abuse/dependence, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
College students are injured, assaulted, attempt suicide, experience sexual abuse, health problems and die each year as a result of alcohol. Alcohol-related problems tend to go up when alcohol is more readily accessible to young adults.
Allowing the sale of alcohol at sporting and public events at colleges could lead to an increase in underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and drinking and driving.
The boards of trustees at Illinois universities and community colleges will develop their alcohol policies within the next six months. If you are alumni or have children or grandchildren attending there, please contact the board. Ask the trustees not to allow the sale of alcohol at sporting events, concerts, or public events in the stadiums/arenas.
Anita Bedell, Executive Director
Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems
Springfield