MADISON, Wis. — Some of the nation’s most educated academic professionals believe the legal drinking age should be lowered from 21 to 18.
The movement, called The Amethyst Initiative, was undertaken by college leaders who believe that lowering the drinking age could cut the abuse of alcohol.
“The important thing from the university perspective is the decision-making,” said UW Associate Dean of Students Kevin Helmkamp. “We want our students to make good decisions.”
Though 128 college and university chancellors and presidents have weighed in, the UW has not. Outgoing UW Chancellor John Wiley did not sign the initiative, though there is a possibility that incoming chancellor Biddy Martin could.