I think it does very little to take the emphasis off alcohol - it's just a different emphasis. The numerous initiatives are meant to take your mind off alcohol, but I think the endless discussion just makes you think about it more. (Kind of like when your mom says "Don't scratch your chicken pox!" every half hour.
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Also, if fraternities who permit alcohol for of-age members' personal use in bedrooms and such are considered "dry", the sororities should also use that classification of "dry." It's ridiculous that a 21 year old sorority woman is not permitted to have a glass of beer or wine in her room. Stick a fork in the double standard already, it's done!!!