Southeast Missouri State University student publication

SGA discusses Southeast policy

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Student leaders went straight to business during the first Student Government Association meeting of the semester last week, where two big topics regarding university policy were tackled: alcohol and medical marijuana.

Southeast administration is considering prohibiting faculty and staff from coming to work under the influence of medical marijuana. SGA President Matt Rolwing opened the meeting for discussion, and most SGA members were in agreeance about the possible prohibition.

Sen. Heather Hoffman made the point medicinal marijuana usage may be legal in Missouri but is not legal at the federal level.

SGA members quickly reached a general consensus they would prefer the university to follow federal law.

“If we break federal law, we get caught and lose funding,” Sen. Reagen Tibbs said.

Only one member voted against the proposed prohibition, citing having been previously prescribed medical marijuana as the reason for their dissent.

The discussion then moved to Southeast policies regarding alcohol sales at home football games.

Tailgating outside of Houck Stadium is a tradition at Southeast. The standing policy states alcohol must be disposed of or completely consumed prior to entering the stadium.

Southeast administration is considering changing these policies to allow individuals 21 and older to enter the stands with alcoholic beverages.

The policy change would include the possibility of bringing beer and wine sales to concession stands, a change which could help games see higher student attendance.

“Students [and others] over 21 want to stay outside and drink more than they want to go inside and watch the game,” said Sen. Alexander Goffinet.

SGA Advisor Michele Irby explained while Southeast is a dry campus, the university is still able to sell alcohol at certain events.

“[Southeast has] always been able to sell alcohol,” Irby said. “We have alcohol permits, and we use them for special events on campus.”

The main concern for many SGA members about underage and excessive drinking with the possibility of this new policy change.

Sen. Payton Ruddy suggested giving individuals of the legal drinking age a wrist band with removable tabs to keep track of how many drinks they’ve had.

Tibbs challenged this by pointing out underage individuals could buy wristbands of the same color.

“If there is underage drinking at our stadiums, it is a liability issue,” Tibbs said.

Hoffman said strict limitations could help limit the chances of underage drinking.

Sen. Kaleb Miller said he thought the administration will “create an incredibly sound system to avoid underage drinking.”

All members voted in favor of the proposed policy change. The student leaders agreed it would be excellent for alumni, community members and students.

SGA holds weekly meetings Mondays at 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of the University Center.

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