After learning the cause of Laura Treanor’s death, the Hatchet’s Editorial Board discusses the University’s approach as well as the need to reopen the UPD investigation.
The answer to the cause of Laura’s death brings a multitude of questions, all of them equally important. But the University Police Department is not investigating the case and it seems that neither is the Metropolitan Police Department. On a campus where the police department holds itself to such a high standard, this should not be the incident. Investigating the details of Laura’s case is a responsibility that UPD needs to take on.
Update: May 4, 12:00 p.m.
University President Steven Knapp said in a statement last Friday that after learning of Treanor’s cause of death, he has asked GW officials to continue the University’s review of the situation.
“Today we have obtained confirmation from the DC Medical Examiner office that the cause of Laura’s death was acute alcohol intoxication and that the death was accidental. Now that we have that determination, I have asked Dean of Students and Associate Vice President Linda Donnels and Chief of University Police Dolores Stafford to review the new information and determine what further steps, if any, should be taken,” Knapp said.
There seems to be some missing details that someone is afraid to share. If Laura walked into her Ivory Tower dorm and was OK. What went on in Ivory Tower from the time Laura walked in until the time she was found unconscious. Did she stop at another room? She did not, according to reports,seem intoxicated when she left the bar. Questions, but no answers. Sounds like maybe another Greek cover-up. What do you thin??
Isn’t Adam’s Mill a frat hangout?
This is absolutely deplorable. GW is always trying to avoid a lawsuit. That is ALL this is about. OF COURSE they should be further investigating. This is the most unacceptable, disregard for underage drinking- and while the bar will most definitely have their liquor license pulled the key is that the University needs to be looking at their policies. They have video they have all sorts of “tools” etc. A young woman’s life was lost- they should be going out of their way to do the right thing.
JanaB, don’t be ridiculous. Universities can’t be expected to supervise students off-campus, legally or practically, and 19 year-olds are adults. Stripping the bar of its liquor license will do nothing but put people out of work and reduce license and tax revenues for the District – you know as well as I do that the vast majority of underage drinking is enabled by fake drivers’ licenses. I’ve sat through GW’s ‘alcohol compliance’ courses as a member of a student organization and all of the GW publications are very clear about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Instead of this knee-jerk paternalism that diminishes everyone else’s quality of life – including that of responsible underage drinkers who violate questionable laws but don’t violate any moral principle – you should pour your energy into encouraging individuals to behave responsibly.
A life was lost!!!!! How can you say responsible underaged drinking. Alcohol is a drug. Responsible drugs are given to the general public by a licensed doctor. If a girl dresses very sexy, but she is raped who is at fault. This poor young lady lost her life because of illegal alcohol. How can anyone say that this should not have major consequences. Others need to step forward with details about that night and help the investigation. The University needs to do much more to protect its other students. Who will be next?
There is never a such thing as responsible breaking of the Law. A young life full of promise was lost because of breaking the law just a little. DC needs to do more and so does GW. How can The George Washington University be considered such a terrific law school when they are setting an example of breaking the laws.
GW and DC need to do more. There is no such thing as breaking the law just a little. Responsible underaged drinking is illegal. GW should be ashamed of itself. Let’s teach our la students how to break the law. Underaged drinking should be 100% discouraged. Not this I can’t do anything about it attitude.
Students need to be responsible. Adults should be even more responsible and solve this problem.
As a fellow student I often am not comfortable with the alcohol abuse and at times which someone would come in an break it up. This way I can still be cool,save myself and maybe someone else.
She didn’t die because she broke a law… no one gets handed a manual at age 21 telling them how to drink. There is little difference in maturity between ages 19 and 21. To “friend” GW isnt setting any example of breaking the law. What are they supposed to do? Reprimand a dead girl? To “someone who cares,” clearly you are out of touch with reality. Underaged drinking is discouraged. GW punishes students who get caught. Its college. Kids drink. Good luck getting rid of that.
GW may reprimand its students for underaged drinking, (ILLEGAL underaged drinking), at least that’s what in print to protect itself. Most students and adults, not all but a good number of these individuals think that this is too big of an animal to cage, but someone has to try. A monetary fine and computer education about alcohol is not enough. How many of you have put a friend to bed to sleep it off. This poor girl did not get the change to sleep it off. How many shot did this slim girl have? Why shots? Shots are so not the way to go for even a heavy set man. Yeah lets all save calories and drink shots instead of something else. I would be very proud to see GW setting some type of unpresented action or stand on underaged drinking and the death of this girl. So tragic!!!!!