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The Chronicle of Higher Education: Colloquy

COLLOQUY
THE QUESTION
RESPONSES
BACKGROUND


Why must we blame someone or something other than the culprit/perpetrator when death occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption? The people who drink themselves to death commit the act. Perhaps they should assume the responsibility for killing themselves.

The institutions cited as possible candidates for blame don't carry the same responsibility as the person who commits the act. Universities certainly do not. It is inconceivable that any university would encourage alcohol comsumption. The drinking establishments do not encourage overindulgence; they are already liable should they sell alcohol to an inebriated customer. That leaves the fraternity. It is my understanding that fraternities have adults who encourage fraternity members and pledges to behave in a responsible manner. With the universities, the drinking establishments and the fraternities against consuming excessive alcohol, why should they be blamed when an irresponsible person drinks himself to death?

-- Helen Bertrand, Assoc. Prof., UTHSCSA (posted 11/2, 10:27 a.m., E.S.T.)
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