Drinking debate: Initiative hits W&L

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(CHRISTINA MERCHANT/ Rockbridge Report)

Washington and Lee President Ken Ruscio has joined 129 college presidents in signing the Amethyst Initiative, a statement encouraging debate on the 21-year old drinking age. The initiative began as an invitation by Washington and Lee alumnus and former Middlebury College president John McCardell to revisit the discussion on the drinking age. McCardell serves on the Washington and Lee Board of Trustees and is the parent of a current W&L student.

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  • W&L President Ken Ruscio released a statement to the Washington and Lee community regarding the Amethyst Initiative via e-mail on August 29.
  • Ruscio is among 129 presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities who have signed the Amethyst Initiative.
  • In supporting the Amethyst Initiative, Ruscio says he is not calling for lowering the drinking age.
  • Ruscio believes the Amethyst Initiative will initiate vigorous debate on alcohol abuse nationwide.
  • Ruscio says his support of the Amethyst Initiative will not change the university’s alcohol policies or enforcement of state and federal laws.
  • The Amethyst Initiative will examine the relationship between drinking age and highway deaths as well as binge drinking trends on college campuses.

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