New York - Colleges and universities across the U.S. are in support of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18.

The leaders from over 100 colleges and universities have joined for the push to lower the drinking age.

* The current law has not prevented alcohol from being available, and drinking is widespread at all American colleges, and at younger ages as well. But at colleges and universities, the law does have other effects: it pushes drinking into hiding, heightening its risks, including risks from drunken driving; and it prevents us from addressing drinking with students as an issue of responsible choice. ~Richard H. Brodhead, Duke University

* I signed because my 35 years in higher education and my 30+ years as a parent to three sons convinced me that the 21 year-old drinking age is hypocritical, ineffective, guilt-inducing and counterproductive. It is a form of mini-prohibition, and needs to be replaced with education and a focus on the value of moderation, not intolerance. ~Donald R. Eastman III, Eckerd College

The group believes that by lowering the drinking age, they can decrease binge drinking and the dangers associated with it.

Research has shown that binge drinking takes place before students go out to clubs and other activities.

Lowering the drinking age to 18 could push more casual drinking, and less binge drinking.

Many are against this though, including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), as they feel it would lead to more fatal car crashes.