NIU is doing well to keep pace with the anti-drug and -alcohol push advocated by former first lady Nancy Reagan that has swept through the nation’s schools.

Soon, it will be easier for some students at NIU to “just say no” to alcohol consumption on their residence hall floors. The new option offering a positive alternative next fall for students living on selected residence hall floors is an alcohol-free lifestyle floor.

The consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages, even for students and their guests over the age of 21, on some floors in four of the university’s residence halls—Stevenson Towers North, Grant Towers South, Lincoln Hall and Neptune North—will not be allowed.

The purpose of designating these floors is to “provide a positive and conducive environment for students who are so motivated and committed, to find support for each other in maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle and social life.”

The university’s decision to designate several residence hall floors for such a purpose follows a request by students interested in living an alcohol-free lifestyle. Such a decision shows NIU can be sensitive to the needs and requests of its students, and often all it takes is a simple request.

Already, NIU students have expressed concern about students’ alcohol consumption through various organizations such as BACCHUS and Collegiates Against Driving Drunk. And the campus’ greek system is setting its agenda to address new alcohol policies.

There should be no difficulty in finding more than enough students interested in filling the designated alcohol-free floors. And if the requests are there, officials should consider having a floor in each of the residence halls to accomodate students’ preference to live on an alcohol-free floor.