Student Drinking Spans Deonomination

Alcohol usage supersedes denominational affiliations according to a recent survey, despite the division it causes among social groups reported in the last Weather Vane issue. Sixty-three percent of Mennonites polled claimed they consume alcohol; the same percentage was found among non-Mennonites.

The survey was conducted during the last two weeks by the students of the News and Feature Writing class under the instruction of Dick Benner, assistant professor of communication. This follow-up survey in a three part series sought to examine if Mennonites and non-Mennonites consume alcohol at different rates.

The class randomly polled 105 students on various campus locations, including the library, snack shop, campus center mailboxes and computer labs. The sample population included students from all class levels, including three graduate students.

When asked their religious affiliation, 59 percent responded that they were Mennonite, 11percent Baptist, and 7 percent Brethren. Other affiliations included Lutheran, non-denominational, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopalian, Assembly of God, and Methodist.

Sixty-three percent of the 105 polled claimed to drink either regularly or occasionally. Students were divided when asked if they believe alcohol consumption was a moral issue: 43 percent said it was a moral issue and 57 percent said it was not. A fourth year student said, "Drinking occasionally and lightly is not bad, getting drunk is the sin."

Sixty percent of those who consume alcohol said they drink for social occasions and 22 percent drink for recreation. Of those who abstained from alcohol consumption, 61 percent said it was based on personal preference, while 22 percent abstained for religious reasons.

"The consumption of alcohol is not a major issue," said a second-year student. "The issue is self control and knowing what your limits are. Students at this school have lived a sheltered life and when they finally get freedom at this campus, they abuse the privilege."

Only 19 percent of surveyed Mennonites who consume alcohol said alcohol was present in their home. However, 63 percent of the surveyed non-Mennonites who drink said it was present in their home. When asked if their current use or non-use reflected the values with which they were raised, 58 percent said yes.

One third-year student said she was not sure which students were Mennonite and therefore did not perceive a division on campus based on religion and drinking. The findings concurred, with 80 percent of the surveyed saying that there was no correlation between the students who drank and their religious affiliation.

The final survey question asked if "the non-drinking policy of the Lifestyle Statement is primarily a marketing tool for the university." Fifty-nine percent believed that it was not. A fourth year student said, "I support EMU's commitment to a dry campus and encouragement of responsible use off campus." In contrast, another student said, "I do not drink even though I have done so a great deal in the past. I chose not to not because of the University rules, but for my own reasons."

The overall student population at EMU shows a slight Mennonite majority, with 51.5 percent Mennonite and 48.5 percent OTMs (other than Mennonite), according to the Office of Institutional Research.

Next week, in the final edition of the three part series, the class examines alcohol consumption among faculty and staff