Hurrah for Iowa State students’ pledge for an alcohol-free Veishea.

Now it’s time for the community to kick into high gear to help create an environment that contributes to the well-being of students, both during and beyond Veishea.

One way we can do this is to refuse to sanction advertisements and bar policies that exploit students. Nationally, college newspapers receive 35 percent of their advertising revenue from alcohol-related ads.

When students arrive at bars, they are often swept away by the binge-friendly, all-you-can-drink policies.

Pricing starts low and increases as the night wears on, encouraging students to drink quickly when the booze is cheap.

Grocery, liquor and convenience stores that promote specials on beer during Veishea also contribute to an environment of excess.

President Jischke has been very clear that students must be the main players in taking responsibility for the future of Veishea.

The students have agreed. But I firmly believe all of us in the Ames community can take responsibility and make our own pledge to support the students in making Veishea safe and alcohol-free.

Ames and ISU will make national news if we can work together and pull this off!!

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George Belitsos

CEO

Youth and Shelter Services