The death of a Yale sophomore a month ago, which a recent autopsy report attributed to alcohol poisoning, has prompted the college to re-examine its drinking policy.
Edward G. McGuire III, 19, of Falmouth, Mass., died in his college dormitory room from acute ethanol toxicity on the Sunday morning of October 26, according to a state medical examiner's report released last week.
McGuire had spent the Saturday night before attending both a college-wide party and a private party in a dormitory room, students said.
In light of McGuire's death, Yale administrators have appointed a special committee to re-evaluate the school's alcohol policy, said Rose Stone, an assistant to the dean of the college. The committee is scheduled to meet for the first time next week.
Yale has also begun an information campaign intended to educate students about the effects of drinking.
Yale currently prohibits students under the legal drinking age of 21 from drinking alcohol at college-sponsored events. The school regulates drinking at the social functions by issuing special I.D.'s to any student 21 or older.
"Without it, you cannot drink at any Yale College function," Stone said.
Yale's security head John Wilkinson said that he did not think the school's alcohol policy had been broken, even though students said that McGuire obtained some of the liquor that killed him at a college-sponsored party.
"There is no evidence to believe that any Yale students did anything in violation of the university's alcohol policy, Wilkinson told the Yale Daily News.
"I doubt any Yale students or employees will be arrested," Wilkinson said. Yale police have not yet completed their investigation. THE SCHOOL OF METAPHYSICS
Pennies for Pedagogy
Remember when you were a kid and you broke open your first piggy bank to buy candy or toys? Well, scholars of metaphysics in Windyville, Mo. counted up their pennies and decided to establish a college.
Organizers of The School of Metaphysics this month used 700,000 pennies to make the final payment on 712 acres of land where the university is situated.
The school is based on the principles of metaphysics, defined as "the branch of philosophy that systematically investigates the nature of first principles and problems of ultimate reality," according to the American Heritage Dictionary.
For students enrolled in The School of Metaphysics, this means taking classes in courses like agriculture, construction, food cultivation, finances, and animal husbandry.
Students conceived of the plan in 1970, and supporters began purchasing land in 1981. They held classes as early as 1983.