Moody could face trouble for picture

M-Book policies concerning underage drinking were recently updated

By Alyssa Freeman, Staff Writer

Published Nov. 29, 2005

Despite warnings from university officials to censor pictures on the popular Facebook Web site, sophomore Brooke Moody still uploaded a picture of herself bound to a chair with duct tape being forced to drink a Bud Light.

The 19-year-old Missouri Students Association vice president-elect denied knowledge of the photo on Monday and would not confirm that it was her in the photo.

The picture, which has since been removed from her profile, was located in Moody's photo gallery labeled "Good Times," and clearly identified her in the caption. However, the location and date of the photograph cannot be determined.

Although no official investigation has begun, Moody could face reprimands for the photo.

Donell Young, coordinator of the Office of Judicial Services, said standard procedures for looking into an incident like this would include an investigation determining whether alcohol was involved.

Young also said if Moody was found in violation of the M-Book, a collection of rules laid down by the university, sanctions could include a letter of warning, mandatory alcohol classes or probation depending on the amount of alcohol consumed.

But in Moody's case, because she is an elected official, she could lose her job.

"If any officer in an organization is placed on disciplinary probation, they must be removed from the position," Young said.

Young said if he received an incriminating picture of a student, he would take the same actions as if an MU Police Department officer had caught the student.

Director of Student Life Mark Lucas said he was not aware of the photo therefore he said it was premature for him to comment on what consequences Moody might face.

According to the M-Book, the presence of alcohol on university property or at university functions is prohibited, except for specific exceptions.

The M-Book also complies with all applicable laws and local ordinances concerning alcoholic beverages. However, there are no regulations stated about events that do not occur on campus.

Still, Lucas said if he finds Moody's photo does depict her consuming an alcoholic beverage, she could face an informal or formal meeting with the Department of Student Life.

Lucas said student leaders are held to a higher standard than other MU students.

"It is specifically outlined in the M-Book," Lucas said. "The changes were recently made because we need to hold leaders to a higher level."

According to the M-Book, "no student organization/student government officer under the age of 21 is permitted to drink alcoholic beverages during any university recognized event, held on or off campus."

These changes were made after former MSA President Brian Laoruangroch was impeached in 2004 for drinking at a university-sponsored function. Laoruangroch was 20 years old at the time.

Moody said she agrees with this policy, in some respect.

"Leaders should be held at a higher standard when they are in the official capacity of their leadership position," Moody said. "I have all intentions of fulfilling the duties of my future office while maintaining high standards as a student leader."

Moody had no comment on her definition of when a leader is in their official capacity and when they are not.

MSA President-elect John Andersen said he has complete faith in Moody's ability to abide by M-Book policy.

"Quite honestly, I feel that a lot of the students at this university do drink underage, although some do choose not to," Andersen said. "I do believe that leaders should be held to a higher standard, but at the same time we are all still students."

This event highlights recent discussions by MU officials to create a task force that would educate students about the use of the Facebook and how it might put students in a similar situation.

"Many students are already hurting themselves by the content they put on Facebook," Lucas said. "It is not our intent to hurt students, but to show them they are making dumb choices that may hurt their future careers."

— Associate editor Zach Honig contributed to this story.