Drink Early, Jail Early DRAFT

David Garbo Jr.

Professor Eltantawy

4/10/17

Convergent Journalism

Drink Early, Jail Early

High Point University (HPU) in High Point, NC has been experiencing a dramatic increase in fake identification cases with the local police. In the last six months there have been XXX arrests made involving fake identification with students of HPU. Students feel it’s unfair to take the situation so seriously and weren't afraid to voice their opinions.

“It is against the law so I understand why they do what they do, but I feel the punishment is a little excessive,” said Daniel Stewart, a sophomore at HPU. “I think it’s kind of crazy how you're old enough to defend your own country three years before you can have a drink legally.” Stewart also stated that “I don’t think it’s something you should get arrested or go to jail for.”

High Point Police Department stated that

In 2017 there have been XXX arrests made involving under age drinking and fake identification usage compared to last years XXX arrests. A recent study by XXX shows that 32% of fourth semester college sophomores have fake IDs. “It’s not like people just started using them this year, the police seem to be just enforcing it more than they used to for some reason.” said HPU student Daniel Stewart.

Another student from HPU felt that the legal drinking age of 21 was justifiable in some ways, but other ways not so much. “I think the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) protests that raised the drinking age back to 21 a while back did well for our countries highway safety, but hurt the way college kids drink socially and unfortunately none socially,” said HPU student Corissa Masciana, “the roads may be a little safer, but it seems the current legal age is prone to more binge drinking, at least from what I've seen at college.” Masciana continued “I think if the drinking age was back to 18 there would be less bimge drinking in college, which is arguably just as dangerous as drunk driving. I guess we just have to pick a battle.”

College students all around the country are partying every day, and it’s well known that alcohol is often involved at these parties. The average student enters college at 18 years of age, and graduates at 22, which is inherent for the cause of underaged drinking.

Side Bar: