The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Interfraternity Council has unanimously agreed to ban hard alcohol from chapter events — except when served by a licensed third-party vendor.
The new policy, which goes into effect Aug. 1, eliminates all liquor above 15 percent alcohol by volume (30 proof).
The policy mirrors a decision by the member fraternities of the North American Interfraternity Conference to eliminate hard alcohol from chapter facilities and events nationwide by Sept. 1. While five of Nebraska’s 23 fraternities do not belong to the national conference, all voted in support of the policy.
The policy is in line with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s longtime commitment to reduce high-risk drinking by students. That commitment includes the Campus-Community Alcohol Partnership, a program to work with community partners — including local police — to support responsible, low-risk drinking through a three-pronged approach addressing social issues, environmental factors and policies. The campus program, which has become a national model to curb binge drinking, is led by Linda Major, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs.
“We firmly believe this change will strengthen our community,” said Justin Henry, president of the Interfraternity Council.
“(This) demonstrates our ability to self-govern and take proactive measures to enhance the health and safety of our members and guests.”
To make the change a success, council leadership says next steps include developing enforcement through self-governance and requesting support from the sororities.
