Penn State University now says "misuse of alcohol" contributed to its decision to disband three outdoor clubs.

Leaders of the Outing Club, the Nittany Grotto Caving Club and the Nittany Divers SCUBA Club all strongly denied allegations of drinking.

Following a two-month review of its 76 sport and three outdoor recreation clubs, the university said earlier this month that the outdoor trips by all three clubs to caves, quarries and forests posed an unacceptably high safety risk and would no longer be allowed.

But in a statement released Monday by PSU spokeswoman Lisa Powers, the university said student behavior on some of the trips was a concern, including the "misuse of alcohol in the context of already risky activities." It was the first time the university cited alcohol use as a reason for its actions.

Ms. Powers could not immediately cite specific examples.
[...]

Christina Platt, president of the 98-year-old Outing Club, said there were no alcohol-related incidents or injuries that she is aware of on any of the club's trips.

"The (Outing Club) officers believe that dry trips are better for both safety and our club culture, and we are in support of a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol on trips," she said in an email. She added that it doesn't make sense to carry containers of alcohol when hikers are already carrying 40-pound backpacks.

"Alcohol is far more accessible to students who stay home for the weekend," she said.
[...]

Will Chang wrote that he signed the petition because "it's outrageous that the university would dismantle this community for safety reasons, while allowing other arguably more dangerous ones like football and Greek organizations."

The president of the now defunct student caving club, Michael Lacey, said there had been no alcohol use or reported problems for at least the last eight years, a time when he and the previous president had been in charge.

"As responsible outdoor enthusiasts, we definitely do not use alcohol at all on any of our caving trips," Mr. Lacey said, adding that there had been no serious injuries in the club's 70-year history.

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