Alcohol

Alcohol use continues to be an issue of concern on college campuses all across the country. Its abuse by Whitman students is strongly discouraged because such behavior is counterproductive to the goals and mission of the college. Whether or not students choose to drink alcoholic beverages is their personal decision; however, individuals are held personally accountable for their actions at all times. The primary objectives of the college’s policy and procedures on alcoholic beverages are

1. to promote responsible behavior and attitudes among all members of the college community,
2. to educate students concerning the use and effects of alcoholic beverages in order to promote responsible decision-making, and
3. to help individual students experiencing difficulties associated with the use of alcohol.

Regulations Concerning Alcohol

1. Drinking alcoholic beverages and open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public places on the College campus or public areas in campus buildings.
2. Exceptions may be made on an event-by-event basis under the following conditions:
   1. The use of alcoholic beverages will be in full compliance with the Washington State Law.
   2. The event is sponsored by a college-affiliated organization or an organization that has reserved the facility according to college procedures.
   3. A college faculty or staff member assumes responsibility for the event and agrees to be present for its duration.
   4. The department, division, office, or administrator responsible for the facility being requested agrees to the terms of the use of alcoholic beverages and the facility.
3. No ASWC fees or residence hall fees may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
4. Students and student groups must avoid the direct or indirect sale of alcoholic beverages.
5. Students will be held directly responsible for the destruction of personal or public property, the violation of the safety or rights of other persons, or the violation of any other campus regulations, which may occur while they are under the influence of alcohol. Excessive consumption and/or purchasing large quantities of alcoholic beverages are considered a violation of the alcohol policy.
6. All students should be familiar with the Washington state law that governs the use and purchase of alcohol (see below). Further, students who are of legal age should pay careful attention to laws regarding supplying alcohol to those under the age of 21.

Washington State Law

Students should know that the Alcoholic Beverage Laws of the State of Washington and the City of Walla Walla specify the following:

It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of 21 years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on his or her premises or on any premises under his or her control. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor except that given to them by their parents or guardian, used in connection with religious services, or administered by their physician or dentist for medicinal purposes. The supply of alcohol to, or the use of alcohol by, any person under the age of 21 years is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment. A person under the age of 21 years acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for him or herself or someone else experiencing alcohol poisoning, shall not be charged or prosecuted if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.