The student government at Oregon State University voted to censure student body President Dan McCarthy, following his recent arrest for drunken driving.

“This is a life-altering situation for me,” said McCarthy, 21, a senior majoring in pre-health care administration. “I’ve never before had cause to do such internal reflection of the things I’ve done in my life to lead to such a poor lapse in judgment.”

Soon after his arrest, McCarthy contacted the student media and his Associated Students of OSU student government colleagues. He also wrote an open letter to the OSU community apologizing for his “very negative decision.”

Opinions from students and senators varied on how to discipline McCarthy. Some believed McCarthy’s private life doesn’t affect his role in student government, and that his apology was enough. Others called for resignation or impeachment.

The motion to censure McCarthy was passed Tuesday with 16 votes for, eight opposed and three abstentions.

An official censure doesn’t carry any specific repercussions, but it is a public statement of disapproval.

Ellyn Canfield, a senior human development and family science major and chairwoman of the ASOSU Undergraduate Senate, said the way McCarthy handled the matter after his arrest is more indicative of his character than being arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants.

“Being an honest person and a person of integrity, he’s been as forthright in dealing with this as possible,” she said.

Canfield agreed with the censure, saying the OSU community was “surprised and disappointed” by McCarthy’s DUII.

“We needed a formal statement to say that, as a university, we don’t approve of (drunken driving), but I think it was a good decision to allow him to stay in office,” Canfield said.

JC Sanders, an ASOSU undergraduate senator, felt McCarthy deserved more than a censure.

“What kind of message are we sending to our students, when the most we’ll do to punish drunk driving in the ranks of our leadership is a mere slap-on-the-wrist?” Sanders said, adding that McCarthy’s leadership record isn’t relevant in determining his punishment.

“If the football team’s captain was caught driving drunk, he would be made to sit out a game, or worse, maybe kicked off the team. His history of being a ‘good leader’ would not even be brought up. Why would we expect less of our student leaders, who are supposed to also be role models for new students and the community?”

McCarthy was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Friday. According to police reports, his blood alcohol content was .13. Oregon’s legal limit is .08.

McCarthy said he’s trying to turn his mistake into a positive, and plans to volunteer with local alcohol prevention groups.

Getting e-mail from people who have lost loved ones due to drunken drivers has been one of the most powerful — and painful — consequences.

“I could have killed someone,” McCarthy said.

He will appear in court later this month.

Among the many lessons he’ll take from this experience, McCarthy said, is he’s learned that it’s best to own up to mistakes.

“Being honest and transparent after making a horrible decision is the best thing to do. Being open and honest after you’ve messed up.”

Mary Ann Albright covers higher education. She can be reached at maryann.albright@lee.net or 758-9518.

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