NCJ Number
153104
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1995) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the recommendations and implementation of a task force plan to counter alcohol-related violent conduct by University of Washington students in Seattle.
Abstract
The task force's formation was spurred by the loss of an eye of a female student due to a beer bottle thrown in a drunken brawl between a group of football players and members of a national fraternity. The task force was composed of representatives from students, faculty, staff, administrators, police, fire officials, liquor control board officials, and representatives from the public. The task force developed a contractual agreement that would bind fraternities and sororities to certain codes of conduct. The task force recommended that the contract agreement require all fraternity and sorority chapters to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, with emphasis on adhering to minimum drinking-age requirements and practicing proper fire safety procedures. Fraternity and sorority chapters should also take responsibility for the off-campus conduct of their members and take meaningful disciplinary actions, forwarding reports to the vice president of student affairs, as well as the presidents of the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association. Other recommendations are to identify adult members and alumni leaders to be available to the police department or other agencies on a 24-hour basis, conduct uniform education programs concerning substance abuse and acquaintance rape, and adhere to Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic policies, including those regarding alcohol-free rushing and human dignity statements. The regulation of parties was the most discussed area of the task force's work. The task force suggested that as a sponsoring entity, each fraternity or sorority be required to register any planned event with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at least 7 days in advance. The organization also would be required to obtain a banquet permit from the State liquor control board. The changes brought about by the task force recommendations yielded immediate results in diminishing disorderly and violent behavior. Lessons for other campuses are drawn.