Push to Lower Drinking Age on College Campuses (08/19/08)

21 is the legal age for consuming alcohol. But leaders of several private colleges want it lowered to 18.
Officials at UNC-A and Warren Wilson say they haven't taken a position on the issue.
But presidents from 100 colleges like Duke, Syracuse and Dartmouth are pushing lawmakers for a change.
One of the major problems facing college students in America, binge drinking is a constant battle for administrators.
UNC-A's Vice Chancellor for student affairs say they preach responsible use.
"We also provide ongoing educational programs throughout the year on this topic," Bill Haggard explains.
Those who support lowering the drinking age say if there are less restrictions on alcohol, students won't feel the need to take in so much at one time.
But the Chairman of the Asheville Buncombe Drug Commission says lowering the drinking age won't lessen the alcohol poisoning deaths on college campuses.
"I'm afraid that these numbers will increase if the alcohol is more widely available," Dr. Paul Martin says.
People supporting the change say the law is unjust and has only forced college drinking to go underground.
If you'd like to learn more about the push to lower the drinking age on college campuses, go back to our homepage and click on "More Info."Push to Lower Drinking Age on College Campuses (08/19/08)