TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The alcohol ban is officially lifted at Florida State University.
It was put in place after fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey died last November. After nearly five months of restrictions and discussions, both FSU leaders and students are optimistic change is taking place.
"How do we change our culture to make it a healthier one?" asked Amy Hecht, FSU's Vice President of Student Affairs. This is a question FSU leaders and students have been asking themselves for months.
After Coffey died last fall, FSU leaders realized serious changes had to be made.
"Our students, we know [they] are coming to universities and they're coming to Florida State having witnessed hazing, been hazed or been the hazer," said Hecht. "We know these unhealthy behaviors aren't always starting at the university. That's part of making sure the students understand the expectation."
Hecht says FSU is hiring more staff to work directly with students. The university is also requiring student organization members and leaders go through special 'risk management' training.
University officials say it was important to lift the ban so the young adults at FSU learn how to consume alcohol responsibly.
"Alcohol in itself is not bad, it's the abuse of alcohol," said Hecht. "Our new policies and procedures include third-party vendors checking identification, ensuring that there are transportation protocols in place, helping them understand what the signs are of alcohol poisoning."
Students are also optimistic this will be a positive change for FSU.
"I think that the ban was good for Greek life because it gave them a moment to stop and reflect on some of the negative culture that I know has been brewing around those kind of organizations," said FSU senior Aaron Kudja.
"It's a very heavy binge drinking culture. I think the ban has been good for them to learn, reform it and have it be less about binge drinking and have it be more about coming together as a community," Kudja continued.
Organizations are still required to let the university know about all fundraisers, social events, and sisterhood or brotherhood events. On top of that, chapters will be required to register events online if alcohol will be served.
