UNC takes needed steps to curb alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is a problem on virtually every university campus in the United States, and campuses coast to coast see the consequences – students ill from excessive consumption, accidents and sexual assaults.

So it’s good that UNC-Chapel Hill, after a year of study, will in a matter of days institute a policy to address the problem, not only for students but for all connected to the university. Education, counseling, prevention and access to treatment will be emphasized. UNC recognizes the problem, which is a good step.

“We’re talking about drinking for the sole purpose of getting drunk,” said Winston Crisp, student affairs vice chancellor. The university has seen the consequences, with a student charged in a 2015 collision in which three people were killed. The student had been drinking at downtown bars before the crash.

Universities resist the idea that they have a parental role – but they do. That UNC-CH is stepping up is a productive decision.

This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 7:39 PM with the headline "UNC takes needed steps to curb alcohol abuse."