Pubdate: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 Source: Elm, The (MD Edu) Copyright: 2007 Washington College Contact: http://elm.washcoll.edu/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4635 Author: Alice Horner, Elm Staff Writer Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) WC DRUG BUST CONCERNS Two students were discovered with marijuana in Cecil and Harford dorms four weeks ago, while a large rumor is circulating around campus that another drug bust occurred in Caroline House. According to Chestertown Police Captain Robert Edler Jr., [redacted] was arrested in [redacted] for marijuana possession. The Harford incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 31. The student has not been charged yet, and police have not released the name. According to Public Safety records, no such incident in Caroline happened. Director of Public Safety Jerry Roderick says that the persistent buzz on campus about such an occurrence "is a mystery." Victoria Pace, an RA in Caroline House, stated, "I know there wasn't one [such incident] in Caroline." Nevertheless, Pace still believes drugs on campus is something to be concerned about. Pace said that the college has done a better job this year controlling drug use than last year. The one problem, Pace said, is that students aren't held accountable enough on campus for their actions. Disciplinary actions for these cases, Pace said, shouldn't remain in the hands of the police. "I don't know of one [of the drug incidents] going to the Honor Board," Pace said. Pace said that the school notifies students about incidents like these when necessary, although "the time period seems a little delayed." "I don't think it's necessary to notify people about a drug bust because it becomes just gossip," Pace added. "It hits harder for people when it actually affects the person." Pace feels that marijuana isn't as large an issue as alcohol. "I still think it needs to be addressed, but I think drinking is a bigger problem." Freshman Mary Kelley, a resident of Caroline, said she doesn't feel unsafe when drug busts happen on campus. "I get the feeling that drug busts occur on campuses more often, so it doesn't bother me that much," Kelley said. Kelley, however, noted the apathy present in students about drug possession. "I think many students turn their head." Kelley wishes that incidents like these would be brought into the open, rather than kept quiet. "I wish I knew more about it with an email or something," Kelley said. "It would be nice for them to tell people, that way students can be more aware," she added. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake