Rice University’s Student Newspaper — Since 1916

Saturday, November 30, 2024 — Houston, TX

Drayton Thomas


NEWS 2/24/11 6:00pm

Responsibility and alcohol a simple union to create

I am 19 years old. The United States drinking age is 21. Needless to say, I come up short of being able to legally drink alcohol in the U.S. So, since it is illegal for me to drink, I do not. But, if I did drink, then I would be responsible about it. If I drank alcohol, then first, I would be mindful of the dangers of the "pre-game." The pre-game usually involves drinking rapidly to achieve a desired level of intoxication prior to a party. What many do not consider is that they will probably drink more at the party, and thus should take this fact into consideration. I would realize this fact, and not pre-game to the point of endgame intoxication. If I drank, then I would include in my pre-game food and water. I would understand that drinking on an empty stomach can lead to an increased rate of intoxication, and thus many problems could arise.


NEWS 1/20/11 6:00pm

Recent RUPD activity should be exceptions of the past, not future precedent

Everyone may have a different reaction when someone yells "Cops!" at a party. Some may run (not recommended, you will just go to jail tired), some may hide ?and some may not be in a state to take any action. However, the common ground is that everybody knows the police are present. This was not the case around 3 or 4 a.m. on Jan 15. At Duncan College, RUPD officers entered two suites completely unannounced and confiscated any and all alcohol. Admittedly, one of these suites is occupied by underage students, but there are 21-year-old students in the other. There were also rumors of similar incidents at other colleges ?that night. This is cause for concern for several reasons. During O-Week, I specifically remember an RUPD officer telling a room full of new students that they would not be going into rooms in the above manner. Of course, this incident did not start by the police simply patrolling the halls everywhere. The reason for RUPD's presence at Duncan was due to two alcohol-related EMS calls. The suites that were raided were in no way involved with the alcohol consumed that led to these calls. The manner is also troublesome. More so, however, is that this action was provoked by EMS calls. We know that the person who calls EMS does not get in trouble, and that is why he or she does not hesitate. But if he or she fears that his or her friends down the hall may be reprimanded, then an element of hesitation arises. Action by the police should never derive from a call to EMS. What Rice needs is a good faith contract between RUPD and the student body that will always be upheld.