University does bear responsibility

The death of IU freshman Seth Korona has left many questions for the campus and community, including "Who is responsible for this tragedy?" Two years ago an IU sophomore Joseph Bisanz died an alcohol-related death after attending a fraternity party. The problem of alcohol on this campus and the University's handling of it has not improved.\nKorona, who transferred to IU last spring, was new to life at a Big Ten college campus. Korona, it seems, toyed with the option of joining a fraternity. He was at the Theta Chi party that January night on his own volition. But does that mean that Korona bares sole responsibility for his death? Absolutely not. \nThe University is a key player in this lawsuit and should be partially held responsible for his untimely death. In addition to filing the lawsuit on behalf of discovering the truth, Seth Korona's parents are right to hold IU partially responsible for their son's death.\nIU is a dry-campus. There has never been a question about that. If a student or individual is caught with or in possession of alcohol, he or she is subject to University discipline. After the alcohol-related death of Bisanz, the University began to revisit and stiffen its alcohol enforcement policy. Some changes included notifying parents if their child was caught drinking. Another change banned the possession or consumption of alcohol in residence halls and greek houses. Administrators were also given the authority to dismiss greek houses or prosecute those who violated the policy. But despite this authority, the University rarely enforces it.\nOn the night of Bisanz' death, he, like Korona, attended a fraternity party. Bisanz went to Pi Kappa Alpha, where he was also a member. Following his death, Richard McKaig, dean of students, suspended the fraternity until the IU Police Department completed their investigation into the case.\nSimilar action was also taken with Seth Korona's death. An investigation by IUPD was conducted and Theta Chi was suspended until its completion. But the University stopped there. Theta Chi's charter was revoked and they were evicted by their national organization. Why wasn't there further reprimand by the University?\nThe University needs to do more to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening. IU is considered by some to be a leader in cracking down on alcohol, but with two alcohol-related deaths in the past few years, its leadership is clearly not enough.\nHopefully this lawsuit will be a sobering reminder of the importance of alcohol education and this, and all Universities, will work harder to prevent such tragedies in the future.