Des Moines Police arrested two Drake students last week who allegedly forced another student to drink Everclear. State regulators are deciding whether to consider banning the high proof liquor that nearly cost the student his life.
"It's unfortunate that these issues surfaced with drinking and hazing," says Drake Dean of Students R. Sentwali Bakari. Following an investigation, the University decided to remove Phi Delta Theta's chapter. "We felt it was in the best interest of both organizations -- Drake University and the national office -- that the chapter be removed for a period of at least a minimum of four years."
Iowa alcohol regulators are now considering whether it's in the state's best interest to ban the sale of Everclear. "In theory at least, it's tasteless, odorless so it's easily masked by some mixture with it, so unlike a rum or tequilla, you know you're drinking alcohol when you drink it," says Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Administrator Lynn Walding. Earlier this year, Iowa stopped selling 190 proof Everclear. The 151 proof on store shelves is still nearly twice the concentration of most vodka.
"I have never touched it, I won't," says Jay Swacker. His family owns Last Stop Beverage Shop in Des Moines. Swacker says even if the state outlaws the sale of Everclear, Iowans still have plenty of other high proof options. "They'd choose the Bacardi 151 or maybe they'd go to 100 proof or even a 100 proof Schnapps."
Everclear isn't the state's top selling liquor, but it does rank in the top 100. Walding says the five-member Alcoholic Beverages Commission will discuss Thursday whether to consider extending the ban to the 151 proof alcohol.
The Drake students who are members of Phi Delta Theta have until November 30th to move out of their house. Alumni say they will not allow the regrettable incident to define the fraternity's legacy and they will be working for the day that the chapter can return.
"It's unfortunate that these issues surfaced with drinking and hazing," says Drake Dean of Students R. Sentwali Bakari. Following an investigation, the University decided to remove Phi Delta Theta's chapter. "We felt it was in the best interest of both organizations -- Drake University and the national office -- that the chapter be removed for a period of at least a minimum of four years."
Iowa alcohol regulators are now considering whether it's in the state's best interest to ban the sale of Everclear. "In theory at least, it's tasteless, odorless so it's easily masked by some mixture with it, so unlike a rum or tequilla, you know you're drinking alcohol when you drink it," says Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Administrator Lynn Walding. Earlier this year, Iowa stopped selling 190 proof Everclear. The 151 proof on store shelves is still nearly twice the concentration of most vodka.
"I have never touched it, I won't," says Jay Swacker. His family owns Last Stop Beverage Shop in Des Moines. Swacker says even if the state outlaws the sale of Everclear, Iowans still have plenty of other high proof options. "They'd choose the Bacardi 151 or maybe they'd go to 100 proof or even a 100 proof Schnapps."
Everclear isn't the state's top selling liquor, but it does rank in the top 100. Walding says the five-member Alcoholic Beverages Commission will discuss Thursday whether to consider extending the ban to the 151 proof alcohol.
The Drake students who are members of Phi Delta Theta have until November 30th to move out of their house. Alumni say they will not allow the regrettable incident to define the fraternity's legacy and they will be working for the day that the chapter can return.
