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Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux: "I'd like to see some more data ... and what the consequences are of what we do. I would not be in favor of lowering (the drinking age) without some kind of education along the way. ... I don't think young people understand what the consequences of excessive drinking are."

Elon University President Leo M. Lambert: "I have not signed the Amethyst Initiative and don't plan to sign it. This is a complex public policy issue and I have not yet seen research that provides persuasive evidence for lowering the legal drinking age. In fact, I have consulted with one national expert in adolescent medicine who believes that evidence suggests that such a change would only extend the binge drinking problem to even younger high school students. Our nation needs to consider research-based evidence before considering such a fundamental change in policy."

Greensboro College President Craven Williams: "I know the emotional response of 'You're old enough to fight in the war, but you can't buy beer,' and that's a point that's difficult to reject. But alcohol has an effect on some people that maturity alone can manage."

Guilford College President Kent Chabotar: "At Guilford, issues are debated in the classroom and in extracurricular settings all the time. Use and abuse of alcohol is an issue on campuses across the country, and we recognize that there are differing opinions about the effects lowering the drinking age might have. We want our students and others in the community to have a chance to listen to informed opinions and participate in discussions about these important matters."

GTCC President Donald W. Cameron: "Alcohol is not an issue at Guilford Technical Community College. Alcohol is not allowed on any of our three campuses and two centers, and we do not have students living on our campuses."

High Point University President Nido R. Qubein: "We at High Point University value every student and are interested in their continued wellbeing. We have not taken a position on this initiative in hopes more research and study can reveal substantive discovery on the matter. In the end, we will seek a balance that reflects our university values and the best interests of our entire campus family."

N.C. A&T Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sullivan Welborne Jr.: "N.C. A&T opposes lowering the drinking age. There's evidence out there that indicates that younger persons who are drinking are prone to many injuries and accidents, and that (drinking) leads to behavioral issues. On a college campus it could also lead to poor performance academically."

Compiled by Editorial Department Intern Pam Richter from interviews and news stories.