Alcohol amnesty is a well-known policy among many Otterbein students. However, the policy is not published in any school handbook.
According to the policy, students will not be charged with a violation in the Code of Student Conduct if a student contacts the Otterbein Police Department in a case involving sexual assault or medical trauma.
Julie Saker, the associate dean of students at Otterbein, said that the unpublished policy is extremely beneficial to students. Saker said that the policy is most helpful in cases regarding sexual assault and when medical attention is needed for alcohol/drug use.
“The alcohol amnesty approach has been discussed in student meetings and presented to student leaders, such as RA's and Greek officers, for several years,” said Saker. “We want to encourage all students to seek medical help for themselves or a friend without hesitation, knowing that they will not be charged with a Student Conduct Code violation due to alcohol or drug use.”
Many organizations have pushed to obtain clear guidelines regarding alcohol amnesty. The most notable efforts have come from Otterbein’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council.
Carrie Coisman, a senior History and WGSS major, has served on the Panhellenic Council for the past two years. Coisman has her own opinions of the policy.
“I support a published alcohol policy as a member of the Greek community,” said Coisman. “I think it is endlessly important. If students are afraid to reach out for help, they won’t use it.”
Coisman also notes that discussions of this policy have come up before in Panhellenic and IFC.
Connor Dunn, a senior theater major and the president of IFC, is also very supportive of the policy being published.
“I have heard this issue brought up in IFC before and I do believe that it is a good policy to have.” Dunn said.
Both Coisman and Dunn are hopeful that the new school year will bring progress in getting this "important" policy published in the Campus Life Handbook.
