As you might or might not be aware, October is Alcohol Responsibility Month here at the University of Missouri. Before you stop reading, I want to say up front that this is not a letter decrying the evils of alcohol. Those who know me well would certainly not describe me as a prohibitionist. As adults, we are all entitled to make our own choices and to live our lives as we see fit. However, I would like to offer one piece of advice which is becoming more relevant to our generation by the day: Be smart.
Alcohol-related hospitalizations on the MU campus are on the rise, and violence and sexual assault are creeping up with them. The dangers of binge drinking are manifesting themselves in many forms not only in Columbia, but on college campuses around the country. It is inherent in the culture. However, there are steps that we can all take to ensure not only our own safety, but those of our friends as well.
We’ve all been there before: the brick wall; the point of no return; the moment when you suddenly realize that you’re in trouble. It’s not always easy to control yourself or to stop, but self-awareness can be a life saver. When that’s not possible, this is where your friends need to come in. We have to look out for each other as a Mizzou community. Whether it’s your best friend, some guy you met that night, or a girl you’ve never seen before, if someone is looking like they need help — help them! Most importantly: Do not hesitate to call an ambulance. A common misconception is that with ambulances come police, and with the police comes trouble. MU Police Department will not prosecute you for doing what’s right. When your BAC is dangerously high, it’s crucial that you’re in a place where you can be taken care of. As much as you and I both would prefer El Rancho or Broadway Diner, it’s probably not your best bet. I’d also be amiss if I didn’t mention STRIPES, our safe ride program, which is always there when just you need a ride. To better help you understand the legal issues and to dispel any rumors, a special panel is being held at noon on Wednesday, October 26th in Memorial South 203 where you can speak to MUPD and the Office of Student Conduct.
The point of this letter is not to lecture or guilt, but to inform. I firmly believe that at Mizzou, we are better than this. We care about each other and this community, and together we can work against making our campus another statistic. As you celebrate our centennial Homecoming, think about all that we call Mizzou and how the choices you make can affect not only yourself, but those close to you as well as the entire campus. Have fun, but take care of yourself and look out for each other.
— Missouri Students Association President Eric Woods, ericmwoods@gmail.com
