Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

twistedintx,

Again, is there any basis to your assumptions apart from a movie? Didn't think so.

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• Posted by kuballa23 on March 31, 2009 at 8 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Great article Samantha! I hope everyone reads this and tragic events that have happened two years in a row, won't happen again.

When will the University start to inform parents?

Parents have a right under Section 9, under the Exemptions, of the FERPA laws have a right to information, with or without written permission, if the student is a dependant under the IRS definition of dependant.

The University is negligent for not telling the parents of their dependant's behavior in the University. How many more students will be in danger at KU?

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• Posted by DenverDad on March 31, 2009 at 12:52 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

People may also want to read about another death of an SAE pledge at SMU. Same damage control by SAE and the University.

http://www.kansan.com/stories/2009/mar/23/letter_response/?opinion

KU has twice the national average in this type of binge drinking and yet when a death occurs KU officials state that because it wasn't on KU property, they will do nothing! OUTRAGOUS!

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• Posted by DenverDad on March 31, 2009 at 1:07 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

This bartender is ridiculous! Trying to keep them from passing out? Over serving these people, IS A CRIME! Getting them even close the the point where they could pass out is terrible service and would shut down a bar in Denver! Yes, you don't know how much they had prior to entering your establishment, yes, it's your job to sell poison, yes, everyone drinks different amounts. But guess what? You're supposed to be trained to prevent this from happening! And giving people "shots of water" is NOT the answer! TIPS training, or ServeSafe are MANDITORY TRAININGS that we in Denver have to take before serving one drop of alcohol to customers! If your bosses aren't having you do this, they are just as liable as the person over serving these kids, many of whom are using fake ID's, another CRIME which can be avoided with proper training!

There are great tips in this article for those that suffer from alcohol poisoning. By all means, if you think someone has had too much, follow these tips! However, if you choose to drink, do it responsibly! "But I'm not driving!" Great! Good choice! But that is not the only danger from alcohol!!! Bartenders, servers, friends, please! Over serving is a crime! Know when to say when, even if it costs you a couple of bucks! Because it cost me my cousin Jason!!

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• Posted by 11cuz on March 31, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Let's see, what about the University kicking him out of the dorm and into the street without telling his parents what Jason's infractions were that they were LEGALLY intitled to? See article 9 under the exceptions law of the FERPA law!

How about that Laura Isdell waited until the second semester to boot him when she could have, by all rights, done it at the end of the first semester? Then the parents could have made a better decision than to put him into a "sleeping bar" called a fraternity.

How about that the University endorses and promotes a fraternity that openly doesn't abide by it's own alcohol policy?

In a tragic death like this only changes will occur if people learn from the past and make adjustments for the future. Unfortunately, Jason has no future here on earth and his family is making adjustments for a life without their son and brother.

What will the University do? Nothing??????

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• Posted by DenverDad on March 31, 2009 at 2:53 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

DenverDad - your family and Jason's friends are in my prayers. As a mother of three, I can not imagine what you are experiencing. The U of Kansas should be working with you and your family, not against. When we send our children off to college, I think we as parents are not aware that we are sending them somewhere that will stop caring about them simply based on real estate. If we don't get the leaders of these colleges to put our children first, we will never be successful at bringing about change to the dangerous college culture. check out hazethemovie.com

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• Posted by dallasmom on March 31, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

DenverDad,

I've read many of your comments on here and I wish you would stop implying that any member, or the fraternity in general, "hazed" Jason leading to this tragedy. The fact is, you, and most people posting here have absolutely no idea what exactly happened that night. To imply that the men in the fraternity somehow forced alcohol down his throat is simply baseless and formed by stereotypes. I'm not saying that hazing hasn't taken place in other fraternities, but I know for a fact that it does not take place at SAE. Unfortunately, that house has a bad reputation due to the irresponsible actions of years past. I also know that the fraternity spends most of its time trying to keep the pledges from drinking, and they get in trouble when they go outside the rules. The men that put him to bed believed they were doing the responsible thing. That is the problem. They need to be educated better on the signs of alcohol poisoning and the steps to take. I truly believe that in the coming months and years you WILL see SAE take a lead in addressing this issue. Don't assume you know what goes on inside the house because you watched Animal House 5 times. Blame does nothing, action needs to be taken by both the fraternity and university to better inform students about the dangers of alcohol. This could have happened anywhere on campus or off campus.

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• Posted by kuballa23 on March 31, 2009 at 5:25 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Kuballa23, YOU need to quit implying that Jason WASNT hazed, it could have been by one brother , or many, it is not FORCING someone to drink, it is tearing them down, as simply as telling them that unless they can down a bottle of Jack that they would never be man enough to be in this or that fraternity. Jason was in need of a friend that was man enough to TAKE AWAY HIS DRINK, not a "Brother" that just enabled him by providing the alcohol. Jason was a minor, he did not purchase the alcohol himself, he was served openely in a restraunt, and then given more once back at the frat house. No they were not there to babysit him, but I would love to have been a fly on the wall and count who DISCOURAGED him...I would bet not a single person. Watch the movie HAZE..you can watch it for free online before posting again, it may help you understand why the family believes this was a hazing...or an incourgement..to do what in the end killed Jason, had just one person stayed with Jason in his room, and not just forgot until 2 the next afternoon to check on him..he may still be here. WATCH HAZE AND LEARN!!!

HAZE: A noun 1 daze, fog, haze

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• Posted by twistedintx on March 31, 2009 at 5:57 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Haze: A noun 1 daze, fog, haze

confusion characterized by lack of clarity
Category Tree: state ╚cognitive state; state of mind ╚confusion; mental confusion; confusedness; disarray ╚daze, fog, haze

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• Posted by twistedintx on March 31, 2009 at 5:58 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

DenverDad,

Reputable sources state that you took your son out to the Hawk a couple weeks before this unfortunate incident. I don't want to sound callous with my remarks, but from what I have gathered you knew your son took drank alcohol in high school and knew he was joining a fraternity (unless you live under a rock you know fraternities use alcohol as a basis for social events). Perhaps your feelings of guilt in such a rough time in your life are causing you to overreact and desire the blame to be burdened by an entity other than yourself. Seriously ponder what results will come about with your proceedings... they certainly will not bring your son back to life. At the end of the day, your son was a young man given responsibility and it is unfortunate that he paid the ultimate price for his actions. Life for others goes on, alcohol will continue to be consumed regardless of your actions. Other's will meet their fate from alcohol as well. That is the nature of alcohol. As long as it is produced, the consequences will be felt.

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• Posted by chivalryisdead on March 31, 2009 at 6:52 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

A key problem, as I see it, is society, the media and primarily colleges promoting the idea that drinking in college is "normal".

I quote from the above article "Because drinking is part of college life for many students, knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning is important for everyone. This knowledge may help save someone’s life."

Yes, it might. I wish someone would have had the guts, good common sense, and understanding of what was happening to step forward and save Jason's life.

It may, however, save far more lives if people stop acting like drinking is a type of right of passage and that a person is somehow missing out if they dont participate.

I think it is appauling that adults at the college shrug their sholders and say, through their complete lack of acknowledgement of this problem and support of the Wren Family, oh well, kids will be kids. Its just a part of college life.

Believe me...if there was a zero tollerance policy for under aged drinking- ie get caught ONCE and you're kicked out of school,(not just out of the dorm) which isnt too far fetched seeing that it is an ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE under 21...There would be far fewer kids losing their lives.

Yes, I abosolutly hold the apathy of administration at KU responsible for Jason's death. As for his parents.. no parent wants to think the worst of their child, and unless you have your own kids you have no idea how convincing they can be when they try to cover their mistakes. Its no big deal dad, really. You want to believe them. It's natural to deny a possible problem.

If the parents are presented with FACTS( not just oh, sorry we cant tell you why he was kicked out) and the knowleged that their child couldnt control their drinking to stay in school, they are much more likely to get help. Sometimes a parent needs to hear the truth from an outside source to see the problem. By not disclosing the reason Jason was kicked out of the dorm they removed the possibility of Jason getting help at that time....before it was too late.

I hope in time I can have the grace to forgive KU and everyone who stood by and let this happen, but for now I hope my anger can fuel the change needed to save lives.

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• Posted by momof2 on March 31, 2009 at 6:57 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

I wish reputable sources would come forward and tell the truth! Like who was he seen drinking with? What are the names of the guys he was with at the restaurant? Who put him to bed the first time? Why was I told in a secretive meeting that the excesive drinking WASN'T going on at the house, until I asked for a young man to come forward? Why, if the boys had all been in alcohol awareness classes, as Mr John Stacey said they were, did NO ONE call for an amublance. I was told he passed out in the study room and they moved him to his bedroom. Then he came out again. Then he was put back to bed by a fellow pledge member who was woken up just to do that? Why would they do that? Is that not some form of hazing?

My suspicion is that these fellow "brothers" and I know Jason would consider many of them friends, will come forward once they are away from the peer pressure of the fraternity.

WHY ARE THE SAE MEMBERS TOLD NOT TO TALK TO THE PRESS OR ANYONE?

Sure, we knew Jason had a drink or two...what parent doesn't know that their son/daughter has had a beer or two. In his past, it's been responsible drinking as far as we knew. NOW, they are making Jason out to be on a binge all the time and this was just one of those times! I WANT THE TRUTH.....NO ONE, except one person, has spoken to me directly and taken ownership and that he was a fellow "pledge". I asked questions of the "fine young men" and they don't know names the names of who he was drinking with. They've been told not to say anything! Remember, Jason was a social person...he didn't do this all by himself.

YOU DON'T KNOW what the infractions were in the dorm were do you??? If so, how would you get them...they didn't give them to us until he died!! So, HOW DARE YOU ASSUME THINGS ABOUT JASON FROM WHICH YOU HAVE NO IDEA! Many of the infractions had nothing to do with alcohol.

Perhaps a THOROUGH INVESTIGATION by the police and other authorities needs to take place. And maybe a thorough search for drugs. Oh I forgot, KU isn't going to because the frat isn't on campus grounds!! Think this fraternity isn't into drugs just read http://www.texasmonthly.com/2009-02-01/feature2.php.

YES, I AM JASON WREN'S FATHER.....NOW WHO ARE YOU!!!? Don't keep hiding behind sudonyms!

Tell us who YOU are FORKU, CHIVALRYISDEAD,KUBALLA23, and HOT4TEACHER!

If any SAE member wants to contact me directly and share facts, not opinions, you can email me at WrenVideo@yahoo.com. I'm not hiding and neither should you.

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• Posted by DenverDad on March 31, 2009 at 8:23 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

PS. As I stated at Jason's funeral, I am guilty of tolerating Jason's drinking because I always perceived it as moderate. I admit I should have been a better example to my son. As a result, I have changed and I am trying to be a better example to my other two children. I haven't had anything to drink sense the news of Jason's death. I will forever wonder if I had been a zero tolerant parent, would it have made any difference. I can only hope so. As I would hope good examples from ANY parent would effect the children in better ways.

I'm not mightier than thou. I have my faults and mistakes that will always haunt me for the rest of my life.

I've changed, I'm asking the fraternity to change. I'm asking the University to change. Why? TO SAVE YOUNG MEN'S AND WOMEN'S LIVES!!

Why are you not for this? I don't understand the stupidity of justifying what clearly were factors in this horrible and unnecessary death that me and my family will suffer long after you all have even a distant memory of my son.

I want to save more lives...what's YOUR EXCUSE?

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• Posted by DenverDad on March 31, 2009 at 8:41 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

PS the only reason I mentioned SAEs in the first place because my brother and cousin are SAE alumni....both from different universities and both chapters were very different from eachother. That is the only reason I mentioned that point. Once again I am sorry if you felt my comments were out of line. My deepest condolences to the Wren Family.

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• Posted by COJayhawkCHI on April 1, 2009 at 12:57 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Maybe here in Texas the laws are different, but if I were to allow my children even at the age of 19 to have friends over, take them out to dinner and buy them alcohol drinks without their parents permission or knowledge, then take them back to the house and throw a party, either byob or alcohol provided, and the next day one of those teens was found dead in a bedroom...due to alcohol poisoning… the law would come down on me and everyone in this house!! I would be on every news channel and persecuted beyond belief in every paper across this nation. I would lose my home, my family and my way of life. So why is the fraternity home still allowed to operate as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened? No changes have been be made, no one is questioning why a minor ( someone under 21) was allowed to be in possession of alcohol and walk around bragging about it in the home, just business as usual.

If your child age 19 was found dead in my bedroom and the NEXT DAY everyone that knew this child comes to you and THEN tells you "oh well it was his own fault..he had drank before..so no one is responsible and we never told you because we wanted to respect his privacy" you would be angered beyond words.

If your child age 19 was found dead in my bedroom and I just looked at you and said" I heard you had a drink with him before, therefore I am not responsible you are." you would kill me on the spot.

I commend the Wren family for all that they are trying to do, laws need to change ,MUST change, Universities must take responsibility and notify the parents and guardians of changes in a students status and the reasons why so a parent has the time to intervene before its to late. Don’t let this happen to your child, brother, sister, or family member or for that matter …mine.

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• Posted by twistedintx on March 31, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

I think its irrelevant to bring up SAEs at other schools. Just because one SAE in Texas had a drug problem doesnt mean that its a problem with every SAE chapter in the country. They are all different at each university. SAE is one of the biggest fraternities in the country with an alumni of 260,000 plus. Calling them all drug addicts and alcoholics is a great disservice to some of these great men who went on to, and currently are, accomplishing great things in their lives, most of which was due to the fact that they are in a strong brotherhood like SAE which gave them many great opportunities.

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• Posted by COJayhawkCHI on March 31, 2009 at 11:28 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Funny, I don't read anywhere that anyone was calling them all drug addicts and alcoholics. Hmmmm? Infering this?

And with so many kids dieing like Jason, you seem more concerned about the "brotherhood" than anything else. Don't you think the fraternities can survive without their alcohol? Or is it so ingrained in the alumni that they don't see how things have changed on campus and that they need to go dry?

I am making it a mission of mine to see that fraternities and sororities go dry to save lives. No one under 18 should be allowed to reside at a fraternity unless they are actively and agressively dry. Then, and only then, they will become a safer place for these fine young men to reside in. Otherwise, it's letting someone underage sleep with and live with those who can easily serve and supply alcohol to under age kids. Yes, Jason had a fake ID on him. But just imagine a house where he would be kicked out for drinking instead of the way it is now.

I will always regret the decision I made to let him sleep and reside there. It's a mistake I will regret the rest of my life. But I learn from my mistakes. I just want the fraternities to learn too. But with people like COJayhawkCHI, (whoever THAT IS!), defending what needs to be changed, I guarantee, there will be more fraternity deaths! Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat them. I've learned the hard way. I just hope others don't have to go through what I did.

Of course, there are always those who think, "That would never happen to my son!" Until...sadly...it's too late.

Jay, Jason's dad

NOW who are YOU?

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 1, 2009 at 12:29 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

The point I was trying to make is that every SAE, and fraternity for that matter, is different at each university. Just because the SAE house at SMU has a drug and alcohol problem doesnt mean every SAE chapter at every university has a drug and alcohol problem...and it seemed that was what you were implying by posting that article...and I do apologize if I am mistaken and if that was not your intent. Again I am sorry if you think I am more concerned about this than your son's death...I am not.

I also understand why you want to make it illegal for men under the drinking age to live in a fraternity unless it is dry...but what about off campus housing that isnt a fraternity/sorority. As a non-greek alumni of KU I know that many students, including myself at one point, lived in off campus housing with as many as 8 - 12 people living in them...some of them underage and some of them overage all living together. And trust me that when I lived in these off campus houses we partied just as hard as the greeks did/do. I guess my point is that the abuse of alcohol and drugs isnt just a greek problem but an entire campus problem and, in my opinion, should be treated as such and not just limited to the greek system.

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• Posted by COJayhawkCHI on April 1, 2009 at 12:51 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

No, it's not JUST a greek problem. But, the greeks could take a leadership role in changing it. No single effort is going to change it all. But it would be a start. How about changing the attitude about drinking as it is against smoking. They don't allow smoking in the houses.

To say to anything, "Well, they will just do it anyway." Is like saying, "We won't put up a speed limit because they will just speed anyway."

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 1, 2009 at 8:04 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

DenverDad, it's really sad to read your comments on this site. It's obvious you are having a tough time and in the cloud of grief you are in right now it's difficult to see how commenting on this page isn't going to help your cause.

Here is some information on the FERPA law you cite: "Parents – Postsecondary schools are still not required to make non-directory information available to parents. They can choose, if they wish, to make such information available to the parents of a student who is a dependent under the IRS code. They can also choose to make known to the parents that a student has violated a law or the school’s policies governing alcohol or substance abuse, if the student is under 21 and if state law does not prohibit such a disclosure."

The school can choose to release this information to parents. It is not a right of the parents. KU is not going to do this. It is not in the students' best interest. Ideally, students should have a secure enough, adult relationship with their parents that they can tell them things like their grades or why they were kicked out of the dorms. If they can't have such conversations, it is not the University's fault.

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• Posted by jayb1rd on April 1, 2009 at 9:50 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Kids die, and continue to die, on or near the campus and KU "chooses" to not disclose information to parents that will help them make a good decision. READ THIS FOR YOURSELF! http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/leg-history.html

READ IT AND WILL SEE THEY HAVE A RIGHT!!!

I guess it's time for a group of people to decide what is right and what is wrong.

And WHO are YOU jayb1rd?

-Jay, Jason's dad

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 1, 2009 at 11:14 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Why woukd KU "choose" not to tell a parent? How does that choice benifit anyone? And then why release the information AFTER the student dies..if it was such a big secret when the student was alive..why feel the need to disclose it at their death? It should not be a choice..it should be a mandatory obligation!

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• Posted by twistedintx on April 1, 2009 at noon
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning ruled in fraternity death

The Associated Press A 19-year-old student whose body was found the morning after a party in a Norman, Okla., fraternity house died from alcohol poisoning, officials said Friday. Blake Adam Hammontree had a blood-alcohol level of 0.42 when he died, or five times the legal limit for drunken driving, said Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the state medical examiner.

Hammontree was found Thursday morning in an upstairs living area of the Sigma Chi fraternity house near the campus of the University of Oklahoma, said police spokeswoman Jennifer Newell.

A freshman, Hammontree was a Sigma Chi pledge who had been drinking at the house Wednesday night during a fraternity function, Rowland said.

It was the third death in less than a month at a fraternity house.

About two weeks ago, Lynn Gordon Bailey Jr., 18, was found dead at the Chi Psi fraternity house at the University of Colorado following a party with fraternity brothers where wine, whiskey and beer were consumed. Investigators haven't released a cause of death.

Also last month, Samantha Spady, 19, died at a Colorado State University fraternity house with a blood-alcohol level of 0.436 percent.

Just because there was no official party going on, doesn't mean that the fraternity is off the hook. Those around him knew he was drinking heavily. He was a new pledge and the boys have all been told to not say anything to anyone about this.

All I'm asking for is that it go dry to prevent this from happening, at least at this fraternity again. Is drinking so important? It kills 100,000 people a YEAR!

This is from the Denver Post only 10 days after Jason's death. This is the settlement over Gordie Bailey's death in a fraternity house.

"The first thing we wanted them to acknowledge was that Gordie was hazed," said Bailey's stepfather, Michael Lanahan, on Tuesday. "The sad thing about it is we could have come to an agreement on these things four years ago and avoided all this. The only reason our family started any legal action was to get to the truth of what happened."

The monetary settlement the Lanahans reached with Chi Psi fraternity and the Alpha Psi Delta Corporation of Chi Psi, which owned the fraternity house in Boulder, is confidential.

But Lanahan said all the money will go to the Gordie Foundation to provide "young people with the skills to navigate the dangers of alcohol, binge drinking, peer pressure and hazing."

"This has never been about money for us," Lanahan said by phone from his home in Texas. "What we really wanted was for Chi Psi to make changes."

In the settlement, Chi Psi said it will prohibit alcohol from being served at any pledge events. Violators will be subject to discipline which may include expulsion. There will be an alumni presence at all formal activities; by 2012, all chapters are to have an adult live-in house director.

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 2, 2009 at 1:43 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

KU, and other universities "choose" not to inform parents of what is going on for only one reason. Money. Plain and simple. They obviously don't care about these kids that continue to die across the nation or they would "choose" to do the right thing. This isn't a matter of responsibility, it's a matter of life and death.

What happened to the 4 year college. It became the norm for kids all over to drink, it's what you do at college, and the colleges LOVED IT! You have to attend longer, pay more, everyone's happy! Except those that die and their families. But hey it only happens a handful of times a year, they shouldn't have to notify parents if some poor kid is making wrong decision after wrong decision. BS!!!!

The greed in this land has reached monumental status, from Banking CEO's, to institutes of higher learning! It sickens me! Jason shouldn't have been allowed back in the dorm at semester if he was such a problem. However by allowing him back, then deciding to kick him out, KU got what they wanted, his tuition! If they handled it properly, Jason might still be with us today.

The false pride of the fraternity is also to blame. By trying to cover their asses, we are not getting the full story on what happened to Jason. This is now leading to rumors flying around, who knows what's true. I believe it was hazing. You want to dispute this. GIVE US SOME PROOF!!!! Sure innocent until proven guilty is one way to go. And by all means, the TRUTH WILL COME OUT!!! I truely hope that this doesn't cost more lives. If I had knowledge of an event that is tearing up a family, and was ordered to keep it under lock and key, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. If you're that person. Don't let them control you. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!

I can have fingers pointed at me as well. I am not very proud of myself, and the example that I set for Jason. I was a big drinker, and although I never got to share a drink with Jas, I was never afraid to hide my drinking habits from him. I will forever regret not being a better role model to him, and will not make that mistake again. He worked hard, harder than most his age. And he played hard too! Something that I used to be proud of myself. But it cost him his life. And for what? FOR WHAT? For a few hours of drinking with guys he hardly knew? Yes this could have happened in the dorms, yes it could have happened at some off campus apt., yes it could have happened ANYWHERE! But it happened at the SAE house. What do they do about it, call it an isolated event, pretend to care, tell their "men" to clam up, and move on.

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• Posted by 11cuz on April 1, 2009 at 12:59 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

Drinking is a huge problem, we all know this. My guilt would eat away at me if I didn't know Jason as well as I did. I know he forgives me for my mistakes. I know that he forgives everyone that feels they let him down in some way or another. But I also know that he wants everyone to know what happened to him. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE! The true path to forgiveness is to ask for it. Please don't let Jason down again.

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• Posted by 11cuz on April 1, 2009 at 12:59 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

twistedintx,

You have some of the worst comments I have ever read regarding this issue. You should read other articles regarding this issue to get your facts strait.

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• Posted by ColoradoKid580 on April 1, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

I keep reading and am constantly in awe. Is this for real? Is this really a debate? What is to debate? What am I missing? And what happened to the "village"? You know, the village that it takes to raise a child? And yes, Jason was legally an adult... but for crying out loud, anyone who isn't 19 knows that you still need a lot of help at age 19. The village is split down the middle and nobody is responsible for anything. Legally, anyway. Everyone has all of their legal ducks in a row. No wonder corporate ethics is such a hot topic these days. We're breading people to act irresponsibly and cover their asses. Jay Wren, Jason's dad, my uncle is pleading with people to WAKE UP. He lost his son. He could sit back and just say, F-you, it will happen again to someone elses kid and I don't give a flip. But, he's not. He's trying to help the next kid. He's trying to help your son, your daughter, your brother, your sister, your cousin, or YOU. What is to debate? I don't get it.

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• Posted by HOUSTON on April 1, 2009 at 8:46 p.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

DenverDad, My username has absolutely nothing to do with your name. I created it a very long time ago.

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• Posted by jayb1rd on April 2, 2009 at 2:43 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

jayb1rd - You don't seem to be able to comprehend my request. I was not inquiring about your username, I wanted to know your real name and who YOU are. I have nothing to hide, why don't you reveal who YOU are. AND Hot4Teacher, ForKU, etc.

The fact that KU refuses to recognize the RIGHTS of parents is a huge isssue. AGAIN, article 9 of the exception to the "prior written consent rule" Reference http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/leg-history.html

Exceptions to the "Prior Written Consent" Rule

As first enacted, FERPA contained five exceptions to the prior written consent rule for disclosures to:

1. Other school officials, including teachers within the educational institution or local educational agency who have legitimate educational interests. The 1974 amendments clarified that the agency or institution determines which school officials have "legitimate educational interests." The 1994 IASA amendments added a requirement that the specific educational interests of the child for whom consent would otherwise be required are included among legitimate educational interests of school officials

The 1974 amendments added five additional exceptions to the prior written consent rule: 9. Parents of dependent students as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

1. Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons. The Joint Statement explains: "In order to assure that there are adequate safeguards on this exception, the amendments provided that the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to implement this subsection. It is expected that he will strictly limit the applicability of this exception."

CLEARLY KU is violating parents RIGHTS and they continue to violate their RIGHTS!

They could have cancelled Jason's contract at the end of the first semester, and then we would have time to figure out what to do with him. But they waited to the second semester,and the tuition, to boot him out of the safety of the dorms, as compared to fraternities, with no where for him to go. They did not inform the parents. It was Jason who informed us and we only had days to figure it out. And, by the way, they haven't refunded ANY money to us.

ALSO, if they inform parents about their kid's behavior then the parents would probably pull them out themselves!

TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF BINGE DRINKING AT KU!!! I submit it's this idiotic policy that causes that figure to be that high!

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 2, 2009 at 8:24 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

THIS PIECE OF C.Y.A. was just posted!!!

Statement on Incident at Kansas Chapter

LAWRENCE, KS – The national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is closing its investigation into the death of new member Jason Wren at the University of Kansas pending the receipt of the final toxicology report, which has been delayed until June for reasons unknown to the organization. However, the headquarters does not anticipate the report’s outcome to affect its findings. THEY MADE THIS DETERMINATION BEFOREHAND! WHO DID THE INVESTIGATION? The investigation has not discovered any criminal actions or negligence by the organization, the chapter or its respective members that led to the death of Wren. As such, no punitive sanctions are being imposed upon the chapter at this time. The chapter has, of its own accord, agreed to review all of its procedures and policies and participate in its own educational efforts on the use and abuse of alcohol.

We believe this is a very unfortunate, isolated incident – one that has affected many lives in the community.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon continues to mandate stringent risk-management policies STRINGENT POLICIES??? THEY ALLOWED AN UNDER AGE KID DRINK IN EXCESS IN THEIR FRAT HOUSE WITHOUT ANYONE STOPPING HIM!! and procedures for all of our chapters, including Kansas Alpha. Members are expected to comply fully with federal, state and local laws DON'T THE LOCAL LAWS STATE YOU HAVE TO BE 21 TO CONSUME ALCOHOL!!! as they apply to the consumption and responsible use of alcohol. RESPONSIBLE???? THEY PUT HIM TO BED AFTER HE PASSED OUT!! I GUESS THEY FORGOT ABOUT ALL THAT TRAINING! In addition, the national organization continues to invest time and money into leadership and educational training for its more than 230 chapters, with programs that focus specifically on alcohol awareness both as a social issue and a campus-environment issue.

The Kansas Alpha chapter will continue to honor Jason Wren’s life through memorial efforts and awareness. This tragedy has allowed them to reflect and learn from the personal decisions they make as members of the organization.

CLASSIC CASE OF CYA!!!

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• Posted by DenverDad on April 3, 2009 at 12:02 a.m.
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Editorial: Knowing the signs is vital in case of alcohol poisoning

"The Kansas Alpha chapter will continue to honor Jason Wren’s life through memorial efforts and awareness." Excuse me? I think they're plenty aware of alcohol....its the part where alcohol is illegal under 21 that they are missing. A person prevents alcohol poisoning the same way they prevent ARSNIC poisoning. Dont drink it! The most appropriate memorial effort KU and the greek system as a whole can make is to admit their responsibility in this tragedy AND to put their drink down and encourage their "brothers" who they claim to care about to do the same.

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• Posted by momof2 on April 3, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.
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