Stanford University is now rolling out an updated policy on its regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol at campus parties, enforcing a ban on hard liquor.
Just a couple of month’s after former university swimmer, Brock Turner, was convicted of the sexual assault of an unconscious woman that he blamed on the “party culture” of Stanford University.
According to the university, the changes are to bring about a significant change in the “availability and accessibility of hard alcohol”.
Our focus is on the high risk of the rapid consumption of hard alcohol,” said Ralph Castro, director of the Office of Alcohol Policy and Education. “Our intention is not a total prohibition of a substance, but rather a targeted approach that limits high-risk behavior.”
University students’ will still be permitted to drink wine and beer at campus parties, however any alcohol boasting more than 20 percent by volume or 40 proof will be prohibited.
Many have criticized the move, citing that Stanford University’s prohibition of hard liquor is merely an opportunity for damage control following Turner’s conviction and a possible increase in secret alcohol consumption in secluded environments could further put vulnerable potential victims at risk for sexual assault.
This ban comes as an extension of the dialogue surrounding campus culture that puts students im danger–a conversation brought to life by university President John Hennessy and Provost John Etchemendy in Sprint of 2016.
“The importance and persistence of this issue have led the two of us to contemplate options that we have not in the past, including broad bans on hard alcohol in undergraduate residences,” the two wrote back in March. “But we believe a serious campus conversation is what is called for at the moment.”
