New Greek life alcohol restrictions will have little effect on Rutgers

Rutgers will be unaffected by a new policy that limits alcohol at greek life gatherings.

Earlier this month, the North American Interfraternity Council (NIC) announced its partnering fraternities will adopt a medical Good Samaritan policy that prohibits drinks of more than 15 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) at gatherings and parties, according to NCI’s site.

Alcohol that is more than 15 percent can now only be served by a licensed, insured third-party vendor at registered events, according to the site. 

Drinks such as beer are acceptable under NCI policy so long as fraternity members meet additional requirements tied to the policy.  

This applies to the 66 fraternities under NCI — 6,100 chapters on 800 campuses, with 380,000 undergraduate members across the world — and includes numerous greek life organizations on campus.

On paper, these changes will have little affect on University policy as Rutgers already has a long-standing policy that requires beer be the only alcoholic beverage at registered fraternity and sorority events, according to an email from University spokesperson Neal Buccino. 

“The organization(s) holding a party must register the event with the University, and only members of the organization(s) are permitted to attend. Limited amounts of beer may only be brought by members who are 21 or older, and must be checked in at the door,” he said.

NCI’s policy reflects an increasing number of student deaths resulting from binge drinking. In 2014, then-Rutgers student Caitlyn Kovacs died from alcohol poisoning after a party at Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, according to NJ Advance Media.  

“Nothing should stand in the way of students calling 911 when (a student) or anyone else they are with need help. It is critical students are encouraged to call 911 when someone is in need of medical attention,” according to NCI’s site.