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Published: 12/21/07
More Colleges Offer 'Amnesty' for Drinking Violations
From the article of the same title by: Eric Hoover, Chronicle of Higher Education
A growing number of colleges are adopting medical-amnesty exemptions, also known as Good Samaritan policies, as an alternative to punishing students for alcohol violations. Supporters of this idea say that removing the threat of punishment makes it more likely that students will call for help in situations such as a roommate passing out from drinking too much. However, there is little research so far on whether the idea works, and some student health professionals are concerned about the effect on colleges' efforts to combat alcohol abuse.

The issue underscores colleges' need to find a balance between providing for the well-being of students and upholding the law. Medical amnesty policies do not mean alcohol violations are simply ignored; rather, students are usually required to attend counseling sessions or meet with officials. At Emory University, for example, students have to meet with a campus-life official to discuss the issue, as well as with substance-abuse counselors. They must also attend risk-reduction classes. Community service is also often required. "We've long felt there were plenty of students out there drinking, but we couldn't identify them," says Carolyn Livingston, special assistant to the senior vice president for campus life at Emory. "Now we can get them the help they need."

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