Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2003
Source: Providence Phoenix (RI)
Copyright: 2003 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group
Contact:  http://www.providencephoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/648
Author: Phillipe & Jorge
Note: Phillipe & Jorge occasionally print letters from readers in their
column.  Their email address is  http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS

Congrats to URI prez Bob Carothers, and the URI and Brown student senates, 
for publicly supporting the repeal of the provision in the Higher Education 
Act of 1998, which prohibits drug offenders from receiving federal loans 
and grants to attend college. In addition to punishing what in many cases 
is a lack of judgment by teenagers -- not that any of us did anything 
incredibly boneheaded back in high school -- the act punishes a 
disproportionately number of low-income and minority kids.

Alcohol and drugs are " the curse of the poor, " President Bob correctly 
noted in an appeal to Vo Dilun's congressional delegation, especially when 
their use results in the denial of assistance to people who want to pull 
themselves up through education. (Disclosure: Phillipe works at URI, and 
Jorge attended the university and has been honored by the school.)

P&J are very puzzled, however, by the reaction from our elected officials 
in DC, judging from the Other Paper. " So far, Rhode Island congressmen 
have been hesitant to embrace the appeal . . . spokesmen for US 
Representatives Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin were noncommittal. " 
Hey, Patrick and Jimmy, get with the program. There is someone who brushes 
Mr. Kennedy's teeth every morning, after all, who should be familiar with 
succumbing to drug use as a youth.
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MAP posted-by: Tom