Give us amnesty

University needs to make the medical amnesty policy a reality, and quick

We attend a university where one can walk around with an open container six Saturdays per year, but if a student over-indulges on any of the other 359 days of the year, he is punished by that very institution.

Sounds a bit hypocritical, right?

A medical amnesty policy would exempt students from University punishment if they are either in need of medical attention, or directly assisting someone in need of medical attention.

Last year, the Student Government Association began working towards implenting such a policy, but so far, the University hasn’t produced any results – and still, the tally of alcohol policy offenses rises.

This past weekend, 29 University students were arrested on alcohol and drug-related offenses. Fortunately, no one sufferred life-threatening injuries, but a girl in Russell Hall had to call for medical assistance due to her excessive drinking.

The University supposedly has cracked down on the party scene, but over 100 more students were arrested on alcohol charges in 2006 than the year before.

For those unsure of how various policies affect each other – and this group may include our very own administrators, thus explaining their foot-dragging on the issue – academic rigor and an amnesty policy can coexist.

Emory University, University of Texas-Austin, Rice University, Cornell University, Dartmouth University, University of Pennsylvania and New York University all have medical amnesty policies at their respected institutions.

This policy wouldn’t shake the foundation of the American collegiate system. For that matter, it wouldn’t shake the U.S. Justice System.

The state of Colorado has an amnesty policy for the underage drinker in need of medical assistance. He and up to two others shall be immune from criminal prosecution if they call 911, identify themselves and remain at the scene until help arrives.

Rodney Bennett, vice president of student affairs, said, “The door on amnesty policy has not been slammed shut. It’s my position as a parent that students who have a legitimate need for assistance get assistance.”

We all know one student who didn’t. The University needs a good samaritan loophole, and before another student dies.

Love is in the air

The Red & Black wants to hook you up with a man or woman on the market

Looking for a special someone to spend Valentine’s Day with? Want to play the field with five lucky dates? You may find your true love by competing in The Red and Black’s second annual Man or Woman on the Market.

We’d like to play Cupid this year by helping you find the perfect date.

If chosen as Man or Woman on the Market, you’ll get to go on five dates – on our dime.

Guys and girls who’d like to be one of the dates also can apply for the contest.

To apply, send us your full name, year, hometown, major, a picture and a 150-word essay about why you’d be the ideal Man, Woman or date to variety@randb.com.