On a chilly February evening, Laura Jennings received the devastating news that no parent should ever have to endure: her 19-year-old son had passed away. Michael, a pledge at the Alpha Beta fraternity at State University, had taken part in a pledging event that involved excessive drinking the previous night. Security footage revealed fraternity members not only encouraging underage drinking but also showing a blatant disregard for Michael, who was clearly intoxicated.
After several hours of participating in a drinking-themed challenge, Michael fell down a flight of stairs. The footage showed fraternity brothers dragging him back upstairs and laying him on a couch, where he remained for 12 long hours before anyone realized he needed urgent medical help. During that time, he was subjected to abuse by his peers who slapped, punched, and even poured water on him as he lay unconscious. To prevent him from rolling over and choking on his vomit, they placed a backpack on his chest—an absurd and dangerous measure.
The timeline of events, as outlined in court documents and news reports, is heartbreaking for any parent to read. Michael received his first drink shortly after 9 PM and was visibly impaired just an hour and a half later. For 12 hours, he was neglected, and ultimately, it was too late when someone finally called for help. He died due to complications from his injuries and alcohol poisoning, leading to manslaughter charges against eight fraternity members.
As I reflect on this tragic story, I find myself filled with disbelief and anger. How could a group of young men allow one of their own to suffer in such a way? Was it peer pressure? Was it the culture of their fraternity? Another life has been lost due to reckless choices and excessive drinking. These stories leave us frustrated and questioning whether we are doing enough to prepare our kids for the reality of college drinking.
As a parent of a 14-year-old son, soon to enter high school, I am keenly aware of the need to instill values of compassion and responsibility in him. What will happen when he faces a similar situation? Will he have the courage to call for help if a friend is in trouble? The thought of my son experiencing a fate similar to Michael’s terrifies me.
It is imperative that we, as parents, step up our efforts to educate our children about the dangers of alcohol. We need to empower them to recognize the signs of intoxication and know how to respond appropriately. While it’s easy to blame universities, fraternities, and the adults in charge, that won’t change what happened to Michael.
We can express our outrage toward the individuals involved, but what will that accomplish? It won’t bring back a young life lost. Instead of waiting until they’re on the brink of adulthood, we should begin conversations about alcohol when our children are young. This proactive approach can be life-saving.
As recommended by resources like talkearlyandoften.com, we must engage in ongoing discussions about alcohol use. Share your experiences, explain the consequences of excessive drinking, and talk about relevant news stories involving alcohol-related incidents. Equip your teen with practical tools, such as a ride-sharing app, and reassure them that you’ll support them in any situation.
Discussing cases like Michael’s is crucial. Role-play scenarios where they might need to intervene if a friend is in danger. After you talk, listen to their thoughts on peer pressure and party culture. Keep the dialogue open and ongoing, because there are parents out there who would give anything for one more conversation with their child.
In summary, teaching our children about responsible drinking is an essential step we must take early on. Through open conversations, we can empower them to handle difficult situations when they arise, making a difference in their lives and possibly saving them from tragedy.