Editorial: Samaritan policy has too much potential for abuse

Though perhaps well-intentioned, the Good Samaritan policy proposed by PHAT and ASSU is just a way to further confuse a policy and process that is already misunderstood by students and even Housing employees.

This new policy, which would protect students from having alcohol violations on their records when seeking medical assists while intoxicated, would further the stigma that being documented is something to be legitimately upset about. Being written up is just a way for students to learn from foolish mistakes and has few serious effects even when the violation does permanently make it onto students' records.

Underage drinking is a reality at college, especially in the residence halls, but it is only the students who are being severely irresponsible who are documented in the first place.

Many students view being documented as being more serious than it is when, in reality, it is not all that punitive of a system. Though students may have to attend alcohol education classes, few are removed from the residence halls because of an alcohol offense.

The new policy is also open to abuse. Underage students who are found drinking on campus could then ask for a medical assist simply as a way out of having a mark on their records under the guise of acting as "Good Samaritans."

This concern is being investigated before this policy is implemented, but there can be no real way to estimate how much abuse this policy would be subject to.

Instead of imposing a new policy that will likely not be understood by the student body at large and abused by some who do understand it, Housing should work to help students understand the existing policy and educate students on how to avoid alcohol poisoning in the first place so medical assistance would not be needed. Personal responsibility should be emphasized, as college students are considered adults and should be held accountable as such.

Reach the editorial board at opinion@su-spectator.com.