Duke Student Government ended the year with a bang, giving its support to several significant resolutions, including two alcohol policy statements. While the resolutions echoed many similar ideas, one endorsed a collection of opinions of the student body as taken from an meetings with student groups. The other, however, reflected an overview of DSG's views on the current policy.
The latter, DSG's own position, offered five basic beliefs: that the alcohol policy should "focus more on addressing dangerous drinking than on underage drinking;" that a more restrictive policy aggravates drinking problems; that the University should create a policy that respects students as "responsible, competent adults able to make reasonable choices;" that a condensed or simplified version of the policy should be made available to students; and that the student body is willing to work with the administration in devising an alcohol policy.
"The policy we are coming up with will affect each and every one of you," co-author Jasmin French said. "Unfortunately not every student can give their input on the alcohol committee, but this can represent their thoughts."
Before the resolution passed, legislators raised questions about the first suggestion and how it might conflict with state laws on underage drinking.
"Duke is under no obligation in itself to enforce North Carolina law," co-author Drew Ensign said. "That is the job of North Carolina police.... I think the Duke alcohol policy should be silent regarding state law."
The other alcohol recommendation conveyed the opinions of the student body, said Junior David Nefouse, one of the resolution's authors.
By passing this resolution, "DSG isn't claiming the report is theirs," Nefouse said in his presentation. "No... this is a report of the students, by the students and for the students.... We aren't telling the students what matters should be addressed, because in this report, they are telling us what matters to them."
In addition to the two alcohol policies, DSG gave its support to a resolution requesting a Safe Carts program, which would use golf carts to transfer people at night from one area of the campus to another, concentrating on the Blue Zone parking lots. The entirely student-run service would operate from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven nights a week.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
DSG President Jordan Bazinsky said administrators supported "95 percent of everything DSG asked for this summer" in its financial aid recommendation. The report suggested creating a financial aid guide book and offering aid for international students and summer programs.
DSG also approved a survey at McDonald's to test student interest in McDonald's serving breakfast until 2:00 p.m. on weekends.
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