Montana State University sent students a campus-wide email this week warning of an increase in reported drink spiking incidents. The alert covered a range of settings — bars, house parties, fraternity events — reflecting the reality that no single venue type has been identified as the source of the problem.
Student reactions to the email varied. Some said the warning caught their attention; others said it registered as background noise in an inbox full of university communications. MSU officials did not release specific numbers on how many incidents had been reported, but the decision to issue a campus-wide alert indicates the pattern was significant enough to warrant broad notification.
Drink spiking — the addition of alcohol or drugs to someone's beverage without their knowledge — can be difficult to detect and prosecute. MSU's warning is consistent with advisories issued by universities across the country in recent years, though the increase in local reports gives it particular relevance for Bozeman-area students this semester. Anyone who believes their drink was tampered with is encouraged to contact campus police or local law enforcement.