In light of a recent alcohol-related death at Florida State University, Rep. Todd Russ is calling on Oklahoma universities and colleges to stop on campus parties with alcohol and drugs involved. He said it is becoming part of the culture at a time when Americans are spending more than ever for higher education.
“This is the third of its kind and should be a wakeup call to all parents and university presidents that there is a huge problem with unbridled recreation on our campuses. One student death is too many,” said Russ. “Alcohol and drugs have absolutely no place on or around our college campuses nor should universities be supporting organizations that promote such behavior. The idea that parents are sending their teenagers to college to enhance their recreational experience is a gross misunderstanding by our university leaders. Running taxpayer supported colleges in Oklahoma is not a popularity contest. We are spending more money than ever in history to educate our next generations and the investment is meant to be specifically for intellectual growth and to help these young people become productive citizens in society as adults. Many of these students are learning to adjust and fit in away from home for perhaps the first time. We simply must be more vigilant in protecting the lives of our young people. My prayers go out to the family of the student who lost his life in Florida and I pray for the protection of our students here at home. I expect the presidents of Oklahoma’s universities and colleges to protect our children just as they would their own. As a member of the state Legislature, I will be watching for better outcomes in Oklahoma.”
