Leebron wisely passes on Amethyst Initiative

By Staff Editorial     9/4/08 7:00pm

Currently, a proposal called the Amethyst Initiative is circulating among college and university presidents, purporting to be a call to "informed and unimpeded debate" about the current status and effectiveness of America's alcohol legislation (see story, page 6). At this time, more than 120 presidents have signed the initiative, and a few of them are from schools we nominally label "peer" institutions, like Duke University. Despite the buzz surrounding the Initiative, president David Leebron has still not signed it, because he feels that far from being free from bias, the Initiative's implied conclusion is that the current policies are not working, and the drinking age needs to again be lowered to 18.

First, we applaud the caution with which President Leebron is proceeding with regards to the Amethyst Initiative. To sign a nationally significant document without having all the facts as to that document's purpose would be a mistake, and Leebron is well-justified in requesting further information and discussion on the real purpose of the Initiative itself.

Secondly, we appreciate the respect Leebron is showing to both Rice students and to the alcohol policy. He realizes that the current drinking age of 21 and the current social strictures in place may not be perfect, but he is confident enough in Rice students' responsibility that he believes it is possible for the system to work for now as it is, at least on this campus.

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