Drinking is a common sport on many higher education campuses, even a passage of right in certain organizations, and a major part of the college experience. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a survey of college students in the age 18 to 22 demographic revealed that over 50% consumed alcohol in the month prior.
Nebraska bans the drinking, possession, distribution and sale of alcohol by individuals under 21. If your children are college students caught violating this, they may face serious consequences beyond the legal implications.
Loss of Financial Aid
Federal financial aid typically remains unaffected by alcohol-related offenses. (Problems with controlled substances do lead to revocation of government funds.) However, charges of underage drinking or possession may lead to the loss of private or institutional scholarships or disqualification from renewal of them in the next term.
Academic and Housing Issues
Depending on the establishment, if your children find themselves under arrest for illegal activities involving alcohol, they may suffer suspension. The college may remove them from campus housing. The institution may also deny your offspring their diplomas or graduation.
Difficulty Gaining Entry to Post-Graduate Programs
If your progeny get in trouble, they may have temporary marks on their disciplinary records. Graduate schools vetting them may see this and reject their application. Waiting for the expunging of these records may mean a detrimental delay in reaching educational goals.
Note that the state of Nebraska does not treat everyone convicted of the crime equally. Those 18 years and younger face harsher penalties. It is important to be proactive in trying to prevent your children from participating in underage drinking by maintaining a trusting relationship with them, setting rules if possible and keeping an eye out for signs something may be wrong. Doing so may save their future.