Alcohol – ‘Societal Problem’ or ‘Catalyst for Fun?’

The Greeley Tribune

12 February 1993, p. 1

If you received a letter from Mr. Hart last month, you are not alone. The letters were sent to every student, and dealt with alcohol consumption at Greeley. Included in the letters were excerpts from the Advocate and Tribune regarding destruction due to drinking alcohol and the dangers of judgment under the influence.

Mr. Hart sent the letters to challenge what he feels is the present attitude of student towards drinking. He feels that his and the parents’ roles are not to repress the students the students, but to have “loving fights” over important issues. “We had gotten to a point where the opinion that the student body held was one of entitlement to house parties, and to alcohol in general,” he said, “and I felt obligated to challenge that idea.” But some students feel that this idea doesn’t need to be challenged.

The principal’s letter prompted responses from both teachers and students. The Parent Committee of the Class of ’95 sent a follow-up letter to sophomores’ parents advising them to take an active role in the activities of their children. The letter called for discussions among parents to help in “implementing the appropriate strategies,” and to look after the “well being of our children.” Some parents have also responded, saying that they appreciate the letter, and are “alarmed,” and will become more vigilant.

Students had a range of reactions. “It seems to me that Mr. Hart was attacking the papers, and not the drinkers,” said a sophomore, “and that isn’t a good approach to the problem.” One junior was worried that the letter would make his parents “freak out” and become overly suspicious. Most students agreed that this would make it harder for partygoers to drink alcohol at parties. At any rate, the letter has opened a few eyes to a potential problem.

Josh Fine, Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune felt that the point of the newspaper’s editorial was “misconstrued.” He said that the intent was not for the police to “help run parties,” as Mr. Hart suggested, but to respond to student calls to break up parties without penalizing the student.

Is drinking a problem at Greeley? Mr. Hart believes that alcohol is a problem that extends beyond the high school. “Alcohol is a societal problem. It is a drug that our culture has embraced,” he said. He continued by saying that he has no solution to the drinking dilemma, but he has a responsibility to “dampen the negative consequences” that alcohol can cause.

Alcohol is, after all, illegal for minors to drink. However, many students argue that it is not a problem, but rather a rite of passage, a part of growing up. Some say that in a “socially lifeless” town like Chappaqua, parties are the only enjoyment that they can have, and alcohol is a catalyst for fun.

Adults’ opinions contradict those of the students. Most believe the problem exists in having beer as the “centerpiece” of a party, where people arrive intending to get drunk. Other parents believe that if someone can’t have a fun party without alcohol, then he/she has a problem.

The majority of people on both sides of this conflict believe the letter will prompt many students and parents to discuss whether teenage drinking is a harmless distraction from ordinary school life or a crucial issue that could very well result in death. Most agree that there is nothing wrong in sparking some interest in this situation, leading to profound debates. However, many question the accuracy and pertinence of the material used by Mr. Hart.