College presidents from about 100 of the nation's best-known universities, including Ohio State, Bethany and Washington and Jefferson, are calling on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18.

Supporters said current laws actually encourage dangerous binge drinking on campus.

The movement called the Amethyst Initiative began quietly recruiting presidents more than a year ago to provoke national debate about the drinking age.

Schools represented in the group also include Duke, Dartmouth, Kenyon and Morehouse.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving says lowering the drinking age would lead to more fatal car crashes.

MADD officials are even urging parents to think carefully about the safety of colleges whose presidents have signed on.

Both sides agree alcohol abuse by college students is a huge problem.

Click here to learn more about the Amethyst Initiative and to see which college presidents have signed on.

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