Panhellenic Council issues statement regarding St. Patrick’s Day alcohol consumption

You can always catch a Spartan showing spirit at basketball games, football games and on St. Patrick’s Day. While there is no game to celebrate, the day can be just as exciting for students.

The MSU Panhellenic Council, or PC, issued a public statement Thursday morning reminding sororities and fraternities to abide by rules surrounding alcohol consumption. 

According to the statement the possession, use and/or consumption of alcohol at an event should be in compliance with federal, state, and county laws including the City of East Lansing. In addition, the college student code of conduct, the PC bylaws and Interfraternity Council Constitution should also be followed. 

The statement also encouraged organizations to keep in mind their own organization’s risk management policies, the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Constitution, Bylaws and Greek Community Policy Regarding H

Organizations are prohibited from distributing beverages with a percent alcohol higher than 15%. Chapters are also expected to discourage rapid alcohol consumption.  

Any festivities that are considered a Type 2 “open” event are strictly prohibited today. Panhellenic and Interfraternal Council executive officers are allowed to walk through any social gathering without notice. If a social event does not pass a walkthrough with 75% or higher the Panhellenic and Interfraternal Council officers have the authority to shut down the event. 

If someone appears to be a danger to themselves or others , Michigan’s medical amnesty laws provides exemptions for a minor who has consumed alcohol and willingly went to a health facility for treatment or observation. 

A minor who accompanied someone who consumed alcohol and willingly received help from a health facility or initiated contact with law enforcement to help another individual  will also be exempt from prosecution.

Similar exemptions from prosecution under the Medical Amnesty Law are given to individuals who have consumed or overdosed on a controlled substance and voluntarily seek help or an individual who accompanies someone who consumed any controlled substance and they voluntarily seek help.