Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jan 2002
Source: Island Packet (SC)
Copyright: 2002,sThe Island Packet
Contact:  http://www.islandpacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1514
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

EDUCATION BUZZ SAW

Enforce Federal Drug-Conviction Law As It Was Initially Intended

This academic year, nearly 44,000 college students will be denied 
federal financial aid because of a drug conviction in their 
background. Many will properly bear the financial penalty for having 
violated drug laws. But for others, the hit will be far more punitive 
than lawmakers envisioned.

People who commit drug offenses before going on to higher education 
were not intended to be targeted. The law, passed in 1998, was 
designed to get university students who broke drug laws while 
receiving federal aid. The law seemingly could be amended to clarify 
its intent, but it hasn't been. Despite the efforts of its author, 
Indiana Republican Rep. Mark Souder, to force the Department of 
Education to bring its enforcement efforts into line with its intent, 
the measure continues to act like a buzz saw, cutting down the 
opportunities of thousands of students.

This has led to two unintended consequences: Thousands of students 
simply lie about drug possession and trafficking convictions, or 
simply leave the question blank. Those who are honest about their 
indiscretions are penalized.

The Department of Education should enforce the law as Congress 
intended. Or Congress must revisit a well-intended law that 
inadvertently and unfairly has stymied the education of thousands of 
American students.

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer
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