UI Faculty backing 21-ordinance

Two years ago, University of Iowa officials stayed out of the 21-ordinance debate.

But this time, The UI Faculty Senate decided the university can't avoid the debate anymore, and the group passed a resolution backing the city's plan to raise the bar entry to 21 on Tuesday.

“It's ridiculous to stay quiet,” Faculty Senate President David Drake said. “We have to take a stand.”

Michael Takacs, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine, presented data ER visits and binge drinking at the University and showed statistics from A University of Missouri study showing that more Friday morning classes has led to less Thursday night drinking.

“I fear students are going to their dorm rooms in the same state,” he said, referring to the dangerous conditions students are seen with at the hospital many weekends.

The Faculty Senate also passed an resolution to encourage faulty members to schedule and design classes in ways that increase the number of students attending classes on Friday mornings.

Drake said in 2007, university leaders let the politics behind the ordinance get in the way, but said it's clear that the University of Iowa's “party school” reputation has created a need for change.

The resolution suggests that increasing the entry age in local bars to 21 will reduce alcohol abuse. Takacs said when looking at college-age students, the highest number of patients due to alcohol incidents results from 18-19 year-olds.

President Sally Mason wrote a letter to the Iowa City Council last week encouraging councilors to pass the ordinance. In the letter she said the University plans to take a stronger stance on student alcohol violations.

Some of the suggestions from Mason include - requiring an alcohol education class, provide alternative attractive late night activities, and impose sanctions on students for relevant offenses that occur off campus.

“The history and the future of the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa are inextricably linked. Instituting a minimum bar age of 21 in our community with brighten the future of both,” Mason said in the letter.