BSU Students Dying for a Drink
6/17/2007
The recent death of a 19-year old Boys State University freshman has shocked the campus community and renewed calls for the college to do more to curb the abuse of alcohol. Elizabeth Ashley, a nursing major from Tyler, died from alcohol poisoning after attending a sorority formal. Her parents have chosen not to file charges against anyone in her death, despite the fact that Ashley was not old enough to legally be served or sold an alcoholic beverage.
Ashley’s death comes on the heels of a survey that showed 63 percent of BSU students admit to having more than 4 drinks in a row at least one night a week. The number of students who consider themselves binge drinkers at the college has almost tripled in the past 15 years. Nationwide, eleven hundred college students die each year from drinking and driving related-deaths.
Boys State University President John Bailey said the university has taken steps to address the problem on campus. “We provide alcohol-free activities, offer alcohol-free dorms, and work closely with all of our student-run organizations to make sure our students are safe,” Bailey said.
Many disagreed that the university has done enough to fix the problem. Local leaders are concerned that a young woman died after an event ran by a student organization. “Who was monitoring the students at that party? President Bailey still has not answered that question,” Boys State Council for Responsible Drinking Chairman Eduardo Sanchez said.
Some students openly complained that the campus climate contributes to the problem. “The old saying “the weekend starts on Thursday and ends on Wednesday’ is becoming more literal every year I am here,” senior Brian Pollard said. “It’s almost expected in some circles that having a drink means getting drunk,” he added.
The president of the sorority hosting the formal where Ashley consumed the fatal amounts of alcohol had no comment on the matter. Ashley’s parents have declined to speak publicly since their daughter’s death.
Candidates for the Boys State University Board of Trustees have yet to be nominated, but it is expected that the alcohol issue will be crucial in this year’s election. Pollster Geoff Smith said the issue is one that both Nationalist and Federalist candidates will have to take seriously as they prepare to face the electorate. “It’s become apparent that binge drinking is a problem that is affecting many students, and citizens are looking for answers from those they empower to run the college,” Smith said.