A SENSIBLE DECISION

Ithaca College Administration Is Urged to Adopt a Good Samaritan
Policy That Doesn't Leave Room for Abuse

Ithaca College's Students for a Sensible Drug Policy chapter is taking
steps to pass a Good Samaritan policy at the college - a measure that
could protect lives and encourage students to speak up in potentially
life-threatening situations.

This would allow intoxicated students who need medical attention to
get help without facing judicial repercussions. It would also grant
amnesty to anyone else involved in the situation, such as the person
who made the emergency call.

Right now students may be discouraged from calling for medical help
when it is necessary because they are afraid of getting in trouble,
losing scholarships or being judicially referred. Not only does that
put lives in danger, but it reinforces bad habits when students are
confronted with difficult decisions.

Despite good intentions, though, the policy could potentially allow
students to abuse it. Repeat offenders could make frequent calls for
medical attention without facing the legal consequences of repeated
intoxication or underage drinking. Further, the policy does not
promote the college's efforts to discourage binge drinking among students.

Be it through documenting repeat alcohol abusers or mandating that
those students learn about the consequences of binge drinking, the
college and the policy should aim to limit abuse of amnesty. SSDP is
urged to reach out to students across campus and solicit their
opinions to draft a policy that truly reflects the college culture and
student demands. The college should also focus on providing more
alcohol education, through mandatory floor meetings for example, about
binge drinking and the signs someone needs medical attention. The
college should go beyond the online alcohol awareness program required
for incoming students.

Before the college adopts the Good Samaritan policy, it should review
its merits and review other colleges' policies. It should aim to
increase calls for medical assistance, because students' health and
well-being is most important.