Pubdate: Thu, 05 Apr 2007 Source: Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL) Copyright: 2007 Pantagraph Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.pantagraph.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/643 Authors: Dillon Crumpler, and Eric Meyer DON'T LET ONE MISTAKE BLOCK STUDENT AID We wanted to write this letter to say how appalled we are to see that first-time drug offenders can receive no government funding to further their education. However, an individual who receives a conviction for rape or child molestation can still receive funding from the government. America pushes for higher education and wants kids to be involved, but one small mistake with drugs can limit their possibilities. Though drugs are not a good escape from your problems, one small mistake should not hold you back from trying to better yourself. Someone who inflicts power over someone knowing they are in the wrong can still serve their time and further their education with government funding and student aid. There needs to be a different approach the way first-time drug offenders are treated when it comes to their education. Anyone wanting to better themselves should be able to receive funding to get a college education. Dillon Crumpler and Eric Meyer Bloomington - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom