Spring Break
Town Hall talks alcohol
Joe Lanane
Issue date: 5/3/06 Section: News
Amid recent controversy, students and community members alike were offered the opportunity yesterday afternoon to voice their opinions on recent recommendations made by the Community University Partnership Program regarding violence in Macomb.
Various local government officials, law enforcement representatives and student body leaders sat down at a Town Hall forum in Currens Hall that allowed anyone to speak for or against the six recent proposals made by CUPP.
The panel consisted of Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson, Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead, SGA President Bridget Early, SGA Vice President and Interfraternity Council representative Sam Pfister, Assistant to Vice President for Student Services Monica Allen, Macomb Deputy Chief Kurt Barker and Office of Public Safety Lieutenant Sam Moran.
All board members began by offering their sentiment on the topic at hand before opening up for questions from the 30 or more in attendance. The goal was to offer everyone an explanation as to why these proposals should be implemented and what has led to these decisions.
"We have had and continue to have a lot of grave concern about the (fighting) incidents that have taken place," Johnson said. "Very physical and severe damage happens to individuals in these instances, and regardless of what it may have said in the Courier, it is because of alcohol use and abuse."
Over 300 calls to police have been in regard to fighting this school year, with more than 200 occurring last semester. So far this semester, Barker reported the Macomb Police Department has already received 117 calls regarding violence - most related to drinking.
Barker explains these recommendations to reduce binge drinking - particularly the first proposal limiting keg sales - are necessary to curb this epidemic.
"The one incident has not changed (over time) is the fighting, and that's what needs to change which is why this problem has been presented to CUPP," Barker said.
Various local government officials, law enforcement representatives and student body leaders sat down at a Town Hall forum in Currens Hall that allowed anyone to speak for or against the six recent proposals made by CUPP.
The panel consisted of Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson, Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead, SGA President Bridget Early, SGA Vice President and Interfraternity Council representative Sam Pfister, Assistant to Vice President for Student Services Monica Allen, Macomb Deputy Chief Kurt Barker and Office of Public Safety Lieutenant Sam Moran.
All board members began by offering their sentiment on the topic at hand before opening up for questions from the 30 or more in attendance. The goal was to offer everyone an explanation as to why these proposals should be implemented and what has led to these decisions.
"We have had and continue to have a lot of grave concern about the (fighting) incidents that have taken place," Johnson said. "Very physical and severe damage happens to individuals in these instances, and regardless of what it may have said in the Courier, it is because of alcohol use and abuse."
Over 300 calls to police have been in regard to fighting this school year, with more than 200 occurring last semester. So far this semester, Barker reported the Macomb Police Department has already received 117 calls regarding violence - most related to drinking.
Barker explains these recommendations to reduce binge drinking - particularly the first proposal limiting keg sales - are necessary to curb this epidemic.
"The one incident has not changed (over time) is the fighting, and that's what needs to change which is why this problem has been presented to CUPP," Barker said.
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