Ewu, Gonzaga Form Alcohol Task Forces

Sat., Dec. 5, 1998

From Staff

Two area universities have formed separate task forces to improve student-drinking policies and behavior.

Officials at Eastern Washington University said a campus-community alcohol task force will examine the influences contributing to student drinking, establish community standards and make policy recommendations for alcohol use.

In October, EWU President Stephen Jordan and the presidents of all other Washington public and private institutions signed a pledge to combat campus alcohol abuse.

EWU students this fall have reported three cases of rape on the Cheney campus or at Greek houses. Alcohol was involved in at least two cases, authorities said.

Gonzaga University also has formed a 20-member task force to pursue new policies to deal with student alcohol abuse.

A spring dance last year erupted into a free-for-all at a Valley hotel after some of the 800 students drank excessively and began destroying property. Logan neighborhood residents also have complained to Gonzaga officials about student beer parties at nearby homes.

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