Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2005
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2005 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Monte Whaley, Denver Post Staff Writer
Cited: SAFER ( www.saferchoice.org )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)

CU, CSU WON'T LIGHTEN PENALTIES FOR MARIJUANA USE

Officials with Colorado's two largest universities say they are not
going to ease penalties for smoking pot, despite a majority of
students' voting for such measures earlier this month.

Both the University of Colorado and Colorado State University will
keep marijuana sanctions as they are and not make them comparable to
alcohol violations.

"CSU is a public institution supported by the taxpayers of Colorado,"
said CSU spokesman Brad Bohlander. "And it has no interest in reducing
disciplinary actions for any illegal drug use."

CU officials say the point is almost moot because there is little
difference in the severity of sanctions for illegal drug use and
alcohol violations. Both usually draw probation, community service and
participation in a drug and alcohol program for the student involved.

The marijuana referendums were among the ballot issues passed in
student-body elections at CU and CSU. The results were nonbinding.

The proposal to make pot penalties no greater than those imposed for
alcohol was pushed by SAFER (Safer Alternatives For Enjoyable
Recreation). The Boulder-based activist group claims marijuana is
safer than alcohol.

SAFER cites a study by the American Medical Association that found
about 1,400 U.S. college students between 18 and 24 die each year as a
result of alcohol-related accidents and about 500,000 students are
injured in such accidents.

Alcohol played a role in the deaths of five Colorado college students
last year. SAFER claims no student has ever died from smoking too much
pot.

"If the administrations ignore the students and refuse to take any
action, they will be encouraging future alcohol abuse and will be
guilty of gross negligence the next time an alcohol-related tragedy
occurs on campus," said Mason Tvert, executive director of SAFER.

Campus officials contend, however, that marijuana can lead to poor
performance in the classroom, absenteeism and the use of other drugs.

Bohlander noted that out of an enrollment of 25,000 students at CSU,
only about 4,000 actually voted for the initiative.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin