Pubdate: Wed, 02 Apr 2003 Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY) Copyright: 2003 Press & Sun Bulletin Contact: http://www.pressconnects.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878 Author: Justin Holmes Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?219 (Students for Sensible Drug Policy) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act) DRUG POLICY WON'T HELP STUDENTS TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND That the federal government denies financial aid to students with drug offenses is unfair, counter-productive and disgusting. The largest drug problem at campuses around the nation is alcohol. Would we even consider denying financial aid to students who work in a convenience store and sometimes sell alcohol? On April 10, Broome Community College Students for Sensible Drug Policy will take part in a nationwide demonstration calling for full repeal of the Higher Education Act "Drug Provision," which denies or delays financial aid to all students with drug offenses, without regard to the type of substances involved or the circumstances surrounding the offense. Keeping kids out of schools will only keep them on the streets, probably to use or sell more drugs. Access to education is a crucial tool in combating this nation's drug problem. Denying financial aid to students who want to better their lives is part of the problem, not part of the solution. JUSTIN HOLMES FOUNDER, BCC STUDENTS FOR SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY BINGHAMTON - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom