Erzine finds himself adversely affected by what he believes is a university trying to build a good social reputation as it builds its academic one.
Ken Mullen, Elon’s assistant vice president for business and finance, said that Elon stopped the use of the Phoenix Card at West End because the activity that occurs there is not in accordance with the codes of Elon, citing past drinking games and fights.
“The incidents had been discussed before,” Mullen said, and the environment was not one that he believed should be associated with the university.
Some argue that West End is being treated as a scapegoat for recent serious incidents at Elon involving alcohol. Cantina Roble and Sandy’s have both received alcohol violations just as West End has, Ezrine pointed out, but they are still allowed to accept Phoenix Cash.
Elon administration stated that Phoenix Card use could possibly return to West End, pending a change in reputation.
Since the incident, West End has modified a few of its policies. No men under the age of 21 are allowed in, but women under 21 are still welcome. Some suspect that this change was driven by the belief that women under 21 don’t drink at the bar.
Despite rumors of increased cover charges, Ezrine says that the weeknight cover will remain the same: $5 for those under 21, $3 for those over.
Elon students have flocked to West End for years, but recent serious incidents in the Elon community involving alcohol and several instances of negative press reflecting poorly on the university have caused action from the administration.
Reports by WFMY News 2 have painted Elon as a hotbed for excessive underage drinking, a conclusion that fails to surprise most who know the nature of college campuses. But the reports also argue that more and more students are putting themselves in the path of serious harm.
Many students believe this is not a reasonable concern.
“Binge drinking happens on every college campus,” freshman Steve Haines argued.
Even Ezrine believes that drinking at Elon is more under control now than it was when he was a student. However, the recent paralysis of Elon student Lee Mynhardt, among other incidents, has roused concern and caused Elon’s administration to act, starting with West End.