Pubdate: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 Source: University Chronicle (MN Edu) Copyright: 2006 SCSU Contact: http://www.universitychronicle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3291 FEDERAL LAWS RESTRICTING FINANCIAL AID NEED REFORM With yet another battle in the war on drugs, a federal law has denied nearly 200,000 college students in the United States from receiving financial aid. The first question concerning this policy move is how, exactly, has this so-called war on drugs progressed throughout the past several decades? According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. federal government spent more than $19 billion in 2003 on the war on drugs, at a rate of about $600 per second. State and local governments spent at least another $30 billion. Where are the positive returns on all of this spending? This year alone, 450,623 people have been arrested for drug offenses, while only 3,086 people have been incarcerated for drug violations. These statistics indicate a vast majority of people cited for drugs were for small amounts or other misdemeanor offenses not requiring jail time. This law treats someone caught with a small amount of marijuana the same as someone convicted of selling massive amounts of crack cocaine. Such an across-the-board measure cannot be considered just in any sense of the word. Are people not allowed mistakes anymore? A single drug conviction can prevent someone from receiving necessary financial aid in order to better their life and earn an education. 'Land of the free' suddenly sounds ironic. This editorial board could understand the federal policy if people with drug convictions were denied eligibility for grants and scholarships, but it also prevents them from acquiring loans that are becoming ever more vital in order to afford higher education. If they have to pay these loans back anyway, there is no harm in providing an opportunity for someone to change their life and become a productive, educated member of society. Are these not the very people the government should be encouraging to seek formal education so they can avoid the revolving doors of drug use, poverty and crime? This law, and dozens more like it are only further proof that local and federal politicians continue to long for the good old days when you had to be white, male and socially perfect to benefit from the privilege of a college degree. America needs to stop them from rolling back the clock. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine