Ramapo College doubles fines, toughens penalties for on-campus drinking

MAHWAH (WABC) -- One college in New Jersey is toughening its stance on student drinking in response to a string of on-campus incidents.

The problem of excessive and underage drinking on college campuses around the country has been a problem for decades, but following an alleged sexual assault of a student who was highly intoxicated on the campus of Ramapo College last fall, stricter measures are now in place to crack down on those who drink too much or host alcohol-fueled parties in the dorms.

Ramapo College President Peter Mercer is doubling fines for students requiring emergency medical treatment due to intoxication to $400, while students who host parties where excessive drinking takes place or where minors are served will be fined $500 and evicted from campus housing for a semester.

Five students were arrested after a freshman claimed she was raped in a dorm room following a party, and nine students, including three who were taken to the hospital, have faced the stiffer penalties since the semester started on January 20.

Some students signed a petition opposing the new fines, and there is confusion over the policy when it comes to seeking medical attention. The bigger fine has some wondering if they should call for help in a drinking emergency.

But school officials say a so-called Good Samaritan policy gives students amnesty if they are intoxicated and need help or if they seek help for an impaired student.