Higher Education Act
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51 US NC: NCSU Student Who Sponsored Drug Penalty OppositionWed, 04 Apr 2007
Source:Durham Independent (NC) Author:Morgan, Fiona Area:North Carolina Lines:99 Added:04/04/2007

Matthew Potter is a junior in political science and a student senator at N.C. State University. He is also president of the NCSU chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Last week, the NCSU student senate passed a resolution Potter introduced that calls on North Carolina's congressional delegation to amend the Higher Education Act.

[question] Tell me about this bill.

It calls upon Congress to repeal the drug penalty from the Higher Education Act. The Higher Education Act regulates all federal funding for education, such as work study programs, loans and grants. The drug penalty was introduced in 1998, and it basically says that anyone who has any drug conviction becomes ineligible for federal financial aid, at least for a certain period of time.

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52 US NM: Edu: PUB LTE: Eliminating Student Aid Harsh Penalty For Drug UseTue, 20 Mar 2007
Source:Daily Lobo (U of NM, Edu, NM) Author:Selken, Kraig Area:New Mexico Lines:87 Added:03/20/2007

Editor,

Has the war on drugs become a war on education?

In January 2005, law enforcement officers found a very small amount of marijuana inside a house I was sharing with two other students. A direct consequence of my pleading guilty to possession was that I immediately became ineligible to receive financial aid to help pay for my tuition at Northern State University in South Dakota.

Since Congress enacted this student aid elimination penalty in 1998, nearly 200,000 other students around the country have also suffered its effects. In New Mexico alone, 1,046 students have had their access to education aid blocked because of it.

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53US CO: OPED: Good Students Mustn't Face Double JeopardySat, 17 Mar 2007
Source:Fort Collins Coloradoan (CO) Author:Malcolm, Brooke Area:Colorado Lines:Excerpt Added:03/17/2007

The Higher Education Act of 1965 was intended to broaden access to college education by providing financial support to eligible students and institutions. What resulted was our modern federal financial aid system, which includes all types of need-based resources such as Pell grants, low-interest loans and federal work-study. For lower- and middle-class students, these forms of assistance put a post-secondary education within their reach.

However, when the HEA was reauthorized in 1998, a provision that directly contradicts the original spirit of the law was adopted. Now dubbed the Aid Elimination Penalty, the amendment effectively strips federal financial aid from students convicted of any drug crime - even simple possession. Admission of a conviction or failure to answer on the FAFSA automatically renders the student ineligible for aid, regardless of financial need. To date, approximately $200 million has been withheld from nearly 200,000 students nationwide, which does not include the unknown number of students who did not apply for fear of rejection.

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54 US CA: Edu: PUB LTE: Hea Limits Career OpportunitiesWed, 14 Mar 2007
Source:Daily Sundial, The (CA Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:California Lines:47 Added:03/15/2007

Dear Editor,

Paul Castillo is to be commended for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life shattering.

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55 US NY: Edu: Stoner ScholarshipFri, 02 Mar 2007
Source:Daily Orange, The (NY Edu) Author:Sajdak, Kevin Area:New York Lines:126 Added:03/02/2007

UC Berkeley Amendment Bypasses Federal Aid Limits For Convicted Drug Offenders

The student government at the University of California, Berkeley recently created a school-funded scholarship for students deemed ineligible for financial aid because of a previous drug conviction.

Citing educational opportunity - while remaining critical of a 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act - Berkeley became the fourth college to establish such a scholarship. This is the first time a school's student government enacted such a change.

"It's absolutely ridiculous that we have a policy that takes money from people trying to go to school," said David Wasserman, the senator in the Berkeley Associated Students that drafted the scholarship program and a senior political science major. "What it actually does is deprive students of a means to education (which is) antithetical to the aims of the Higher Education Act."

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56 US CA: Edu: PUB LTE: Federal Drug Policy Hardly InconsequentialMon, 26 Feb 2007
Source:Guardian, The (U of CA, San Diego, CA Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:California Lines:57 Added:02/26/2007

Dear Editor,

Regarding your Feb. 15 editorial ("Strife Over FAFSA Aid Provision Remains Symbolic"), the actual number of students stripped of financial aid due to drug offenses is 189,065. To obtain state-by-state numbers, Students for Sensible Drug Policy teamed up with the American Civil Liberties Union and sued the U.S. Department of Education, after their Freedom of Information Act request was denied. I encourage you to check out their Web site. The number of students impacted is hardly symbolic.

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57US HI: Teacher's Drug Bust Renews Call For TestsThu, 15 Feb 2007
Source:Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Author:Creamer, Beverly Area:Hawaii Lines:Excerpt Added:02/16/2007

The arrest yesterday of a Ka'elepulu Elementary School resource teacher on drug charges is giving new attention to a proposal in the Legislature that would impose random drug-testing on public school teachers.

When Bronwyn Kugle was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs, she became the fourth teacher in four months arrested on drug-related charges.

"I believe the public, especially parents, want more assurance their children are in an environment that's safe," said Sen. Norman Sakamoto, D-15th (Waimalu, Airport, Salt Lake) who has introduced a bill that would require random drug-testing of public school employees, teachers and public library employees, as well as requiring the state Department of Education to adopt rules to determine sanctions for positive drug tests. It also would establish an employee assistance program to provide assessment, treatment and counseling.

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58 US MA: Edu: Students Nationwide Fight Aid Penalty For DrugWed, 14 Feb 2007
Source:Northeastern News, The (MA Edu) Author:Augusto, Kate Area:Massachusetts Lines:126 Added:02/16/2007

Students Nationwide Fight Aid Penalty for Drug Convictions

Student governments at universities across the country are teaming up to fight what they see as discrimination against students convicted of drug offenses. While Northeastern's student government has not yet sought legislation against the Aid Elimination Penalty, some students are looking to start a Northeastern chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP).

The penalty is a controversial 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act that forbids students with drug convictions from receiving federal financial aid, which some say works against the goals of higher education.

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59 US NJ: Edu: Column: The War On Drugs Hits The 'Orange Bubble'Wed, 14 Feb 2007
Source:Daily Princetonian (NJ Edu) Author:Sheltzer, Jason Area:New Jersey Lines:80 Added:02/14/2007

Test yourself, 'Prince' readers: What's the one crime that causes a student to automatically lose federal financial aid? It's not murder. It's not sexual assault. It's not treason. It's drug possession or distribution.While rapists remain eligible, someone who's found guilty of an insignificant crime like smoking a joint unavoidably loses his or her federal financial aid.

Under the Drug-Free Student Loan Act of 1998, a person who is convicted of possessing or distributing narcotics while receiving federal loans will have aid suspended for at least one year and possibly for as long as a lifetime.

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60 US TX: Edu: OPED: US Wrong To Deny Drug Convicts Second ChanceMon, 12 Feb 2007
Source:UTD Mercury, The (TX Edu) Author:Kosterman, James Area:Texas Lines:77 Added:02/12/2007

The student government at University of California, Berkeley created a school-funded scholarship Jan. 24 that would provide financial aid to students with drug convictions.

This comes nearly 10 years after the 1998 Higher Education Act Amendment that denies federal financial aid to drug offenders.

It's about time someone wises up and realizes the importance of giving students who may have made a few dumb mistakes a second chance in life, rather than condemning them to a difficult existence.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is a nationwide organization with chapters on college campuses that fight for the rights of students who can't get financial aid because of previous drug convictions.

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61 US OR: Edu: PUB LTE: Students Need To Understand Long-termTue, 06 Feb 2007
Source:Oregon Daily Emerald (U of Oregon, OR Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Oregon Lines:42 Added:02/07/2007

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ("Berkeley offers drug offenders scholarships," ODE, Feb. 2, 2007). Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.

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62 US MT: Edu: Convictions Lead To Loss Of AidTue, 06 Feb 2007
Source:Montana Kaimin (U of MT Edu) Author:Mayrer, Jessica Area:Montana Lines:94 Added:02/06/2007

One night of smoking pot can have lasting consequences on your education. Get convicted of drug possession while enrolled in school, and your federal financial aid will be taken away.

"Drug convictions are the only convictions that will cause you to lose financial aid," said Kris Krane, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

Since Congress enacted the "Aid Elimination Act" in 1998, students who apply for federal financial aid are required to disclose drug convictions when filling out their FAFSAs.

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63 US CA: Berkeley Students Counter Drug RuleFri, 26 Jan 2007
Source:Los Angeles Times (CA) Author:Mehta, Seema Area:California Lines:77 Added:01/26/2007

Student Government Will Let Those With a Conviction Apply for a Stipend, Something the U.S. Won't Let Them Have.

Some UC Berkeley students who are denied federal financial aid because of a drug conviction will be eligible for a new scholarship funded by the student government, the organization decided this week. Though the stipends are only $400, supporters say they are a symbolic protest against a law they call unjust.

"It's a very poor way for the government to fight the war on drugs," said David Israel Wasserman, a senior political science major and the senator in the Associated Students who wrote the resolution. "I don't think that the government should find more and more ways to deprive students of a means to an education."

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64 US CA: Edu: Bill Before ASUC Helps Students Denied AidWed, 24 Jan 2007
Source:Daily Californian, The (UC Berkeley, CA Edu) Author:Bartlett, Tamara Area:California Lines:83 Added:01/24/2007

Sponsors Hope to Ease Education for Those Rejected for Federal Aid After Drug Conviction

In a move that some say will improve educational accessibility, the ASUC Senate will consider a bill tonight granting scholarships to students previously denied financial aid due to a drug conviction.

The bill, authored by SQUELCH! Senator David Wasserman and sponsored by nine other senators, proposes to create the ASUC Removing Impediments to Students' Education scholarship, which will grant $400 per scholarship to students who are ineligible for financial aid due to a drug conviction.

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65US CA: Column: Students' Federal Aid Gets BoostSun, 14 Jan 2007
Source:San Francisco Chronicle (CA) Author:Pender, Kathleen Area:California Lines:Excerpt Added:01/14/2007

Students who will be attending college in 2007-08 should start filling out the federal government's financial aid form -- even if they filled it out last year and were denied assistance.

Congress made several changes in the federal financial aid formula that could make some families eligible for more, especially those who own a small business or saved money in their student's name. The new formula also goes easier on drug offenders.

As always, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) makes the student eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford loan, regardless of income or need.

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66 US FL: Column: Milton Friedman's Unfinished LegacyTue, 28 Nov 2006
Source:Star-Banner, The (Ocala, FL) Author:Murdock, Deroy Area:Florida Lines:104 Added:11/29/2006

NEW YORK -- Shell-shocked conservatives should embrace the unfinished agenda of a 5-foot-tall free-market giant. Milton Friedman -- 1976's Nobel economics laureate, and both an elevated theorist and fathomable popularizer of capitalist ideas -- passed away Nov. 16 at 94. He leaves behind the PBS series "Free to Choose," some 25 books and hundreds of articles, much of this co-produced with Rose, his wife of 68 years. Thousands of think-tank scholars -- inspired by his faith in individual liberty, limited government and private enterprise -- advance his libertarian philosophy.

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67 US: Column: He Rests, His Legacy Can'tMon, 27 Nov 2006
Source:National Review (US) Author:Murdock, Deroy Area:United States Lines:161 Added:11/27/2006

Conservatives Should Do Milton Friedman's Unfinished Business

Shell-shocked conservatives should embrace the unfinished agenda of a five-foot-tall free-market giant. Milton Friedman -- 1976's Nobel economics laureate, and both an elevated theorist and fathomable popularizer of capitalist ideas -- passed away November 16 at age 94. The Hoover Institution senior research fellow leaves behind the PBS series Free to Choose, some 25 books, and hundreds of articles, much of this co-produced with Rose, his wife of 68 years. Thousands of academics and think-tank scholars -- inspired by his faith in individual liberty, limited government, and private enterprise -- advance his philosophy of human freedom.

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68US IN: Column: Milton Friedman's Unfinished AgendaSat, 25 Nov 2006
Source:Indianapolis Star (IN) Author:Murdock, DeRoy Area:Indiana Lines:Excerpt Added:11/27/2006

NEW YORK -- Shell-shocked conservatives should embrace the unfinished agenda of a 5-foot-tall free-market giant. Milton Friedman -- 1976's Nobel economics laureate, and both an elevated theorist and fathomable popularizer of capitalist ideas -- passed away Nov. 16 at 94. He leaves behind the PBS series "Free to Choose," some 25 books and hundreds of articles, much of this co-produced with Rose, his wife of 68 years. Thousands of think-tank scholars -- inspired by his faith in individual liberty, limited government and private enterprise -- advance his libertarian philosophy.

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69 US SD: S.D. Student Lobbies on Loan RestrictionsWed, 22 Nov 2006
Source:Rapid City Journal (SD) Author:Jalonick, Mary Clare Area:South Dakota Lines:83 Added:11/22/2006

WASHINGTON -- South Dakota student Kraig Selken has turned to Congress in his effort to soften laws that punish student drug offenders, but he won't get much help from his state's congressional delegation.

Selken, a student at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., traveled to Washington last week to lobby Republican Sen. John Thune, Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson and Democratic Rep. Stephanie Herseth.

He and other students say a law banning some convicted drug offenders from obtaining student loans is wrong and should be repealed.

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70 US SD: South Dakota Student Lobbies on Loan RestrictionsWed, 22 Nov 2006
Source:Sioux City Journal (IA) Author:Jalonick, Mary Clare Area:South Dakota Lines:83 Added:11/22/2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- South Dakota student Kraig Selken has turned to Congress in his effort to soften laws that punish student drug offenders, but he won't get much help from his state's congressional delegation.

Selken, a student at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., traveled to Washington last week to lobby Republican Sen. John Thune, Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson and Democratic Rep. Stephanie Herseth. He and other students say a law banning some convicted drug offenders from obtaining student loans is wrong and should be repealed.

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71 US: Edu: Judge Upholds Aid RestrictionsFri, 03 Nov 2006
Source:Hoya, The (DC Edu) Author:Park, Ji-Hye Area:United States Lines:85 Added:11/03/2006

A federal court ruled last Friday that legislation prohibiting students with drug-related offenses from receiving federal financial aid is constitutional.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy Foundation, a network of student organizations that works on drug policy issues, filed the lawsuit in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties Union in March. The groups argued that the law targets specific students by denying federal aid to drug offenders and limits access to education for many low-income students.

"The United States Department of Education refuses to disburse financial aid, including loans, grants and work-study opportunities, to these students pursuant to a little-known law with very serious consequences," the SSDPF said in their complaint.

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72 US: PUB LTE: Policies Create Need For Private LoansWed, 01 Nov 2006
Source:USA Today (US) Author:Loeb, Paul Area:United States Lines:45 Added:11/01/2006

USA TODAY's article on the traps of private college loans was important and timely. But it glossed over specific Republican policies that have created a perfect storm of financial constraints that threatens the already beleaguered access of low-income students to higher education ("Private student loans pose greater risk," Cover story, Money, Oct. 25).

The article mentioned the drop in Pell Grant funding. These grants have been underfunded for years, but the situation has been made worse by Congress cutting $12.7 billion last year in federal student financial aid to help pay for the Iraq war and for over $100 billion a year in top-bracket tax cuts. It mentioned the bankruptcy laws, but not how they were lobbied through by immensely profitable credit card companies that will gleefully offer a credit card to your dog, cat or 12-year-old, and that donated massively to Republican coffers to ensure that if individuals went bankrupt they'd be indebted to them for life.

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73 US KS: Edu: PUB LTE: Students Should Take Notice Of DrugMon, 30 Oct 2006
Source:Wichita State University Sunflower (KS Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Kansas Lines:50 Added:10/30/2006

Laura Green is to be commended for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives.

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74 US KS: OPED: Student For Sensible Drug Policy NeededThu, 26 Oct 2006
Source:University Leader, The (KS Edu) Author:Green, Laura A. Area:Kansas Lines:83 Added:10/27/2006

Many of you may be surprised to learn that students with drug convictions have been blocked access to federal financial aid as a result of a little known provision of the Higher Education Act (HEA) called the Aid Elimination Penalty, or Drug Provision.

To date, nearly 200,000 students have been denied or had their federal loans, grants and work-study delayed because of the HEA Aid Elimination Penalty.

Until early in 2006, this penalty was applied to any drug conviction a person had received whether or not they were in school when the offense occurred. Due to the efforts of the organization Students for Sensible Drug Policy (www.ssdp.org), who worked with Congress to scale back the law, now only people who are convicted while in college and receiving financial aid can have their eligibility taken away.

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75 US KS: OPED: Drug Policies Harm StudentsMon, 23 Oct 2006
Source:Wichita State University Sunflower (KS Edu) Author:Green, Laura Area:Kansas Lines:78 Added:10/26/2006

Many of you may be surprised to learn students with drug convictions have been blocked access to federal financial aid as a result of a little known provision of the Higher Education Act (HEA) called the Aid Elimination Penalty, or Drug Provision.

To date, nearly 200,000 students have been denied or had their federal loans, grants and work-study delayed because of the HEA Aid Elimination Penalty. Until early 2006, this penalty was applied to any drug conviction a person had received, whether or not they were in school when the offense occurred. Due to the efforts of the organization Students for Sensible Drug Policy (ssdp.org) who worked with Congress to scale back the law, now only people who are convicted while in college and receiving financial aid can have their eligibility taken away.

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76 US DC: PUB LTE: Raising Awareness of the Higher Education ActMon, 23 Oct 2006
Source:Eagle, The (American U, DC Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:District of Columbia Lines:49 Added:10/25/2006

Dear Editor,

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's (HEA) denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murderers are still eligible for federal student loans. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.

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77 US TN: PUB LTE: Former Drug Offenders Targeted UnfairlyWed, 11 Oct 2006
Source:Sidelines, The (TN Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Tennessee Lines:48 Added:10/11/2006

To the Editor:

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. ["Drug convictions cost students financial aid," Oct. 5] Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot - but not inhaling, former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. Thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than during any past administration.

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78 US TN: Edu: Drug Convictions Cost Students Financial AidThu, 05 Oct 2006
Source:Sidelines, The (TN Edu) Author:Davis, Erika Area:Tennessee Lines:89 Added:10/05/2006

A federal law preventing college students convicted of drug violation may keep students convicted of past drug violations from receiving financial aid.

"About 3 students this school year couldn't get aid because of their drug convictions," said David Chambers, associate director of the Student Aid Office. "It's not fair to single out students who have drug related offense."

"Have you ever been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs?" is question 31 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application, the form used by the government to determine eligibility for financial aid.

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79 US RI: Edu: PUB LTE: HEA Drug Policies Lack Common SenseTue, 19 Sep 2006
Source:Brown Daily Herald, The (Brown, RI Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Rhode Island Lines:41 Added:09/23/2006

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ("SSDP mobilizes against Higher Education Act," Sept. 13). Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than during any past administration.

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80 US DC: Edu: Progressive Student Groups Oppose Drug LegislationThu, 21 Sep 2006
Source:GW Hatchet (George Washington U, DC Edu) Author:Ramonas, Andrew Area:District of Columbia Lines:101 Added:09/21/2006

Members of a national progressive student organization with a GW chapter want to repeal a federal law that prohibits students with a criminal drug history of being eligible for financial aid.

According to a section of the Higher Education Act, legislation creating federal grant and loan programs for colleges and universities, students who have a drug conviction are unable to receive federal financial aid.

The national SSDP organization has filed a lawsuit against the government in an effort to repeal this section of the Higher Education Act.

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81 US CA: Edu: OPED: FAFSA's FoilsSun, 10 Sep 2006
Source:State Hornet, The (CA State, Sacramento, Edu)          Area:California Lines:69 Added:09/17/2006

If you're charged with possession of any illegal substance and you're a college student, kiss your financial aid goodbye. But if you're convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you're in the clear. Amid all the financial inquiries on the FAFSA application, why is there a question about drugs?

The fact that the federal government asks you about drug convictions rather than any other convictions is absurd.

As of 1998, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid has outlined that students who are convicted for possession or selling illegal drugs during the time they are enrolled and receiving federal student aid cannot qualify for the grants, loans and/or work-study.

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82 US SC: Edu: Students With Drug Offenses Lose Financial AidWed, 13 Sep 2006
Source:Gamecock, The (SC Edu) Author:Hadaway, Chelsea Area:South Carolina Lines:79 Added:09/13/2006

Students who checked "yes" on the FAFSA application saying they have been convicted of a drug-related offense automatically lost federal financial aid in the form of Pell Grants, Stafford Loans and potentially state financial aid as well, but they may be able to win it back.

For charges of possession, the first offense is loss of financial aid for a year. Second offense is two years and for a third offense, financial aid is suspended indefinitely.

The policy has been in effect since 2000, when an amendment was added to the Higher Education Act, which was passed in 1965.

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83 US TX: Edu: Editorial: FAFSA's FoilsThu, 07 Sep 2006
Source:University Star, The (TX Edu)          Area:Texas Lines:75 Added:09/08/2006

If you're charged with possession of any illegal substance and you're a college student, kiss your financial aid goodbye. But if you're convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you're in the clear.

Smoke a joint, lose your financial aid; drink and drive, who cares?

If you're charged with possession of any illegal substance and you're a college student, kiss your financial aid goodbye. But if you're convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you're in the clear. Amid all the financial inquiries on the FAFSA application, why is there a question about drugs?

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84 US PA: Edu: Student Groups Aim to Lessen Drug PenaltiesThu, 20 Jul 2006
Source:Daily Pennsylvanian, The (U of PA, Edu) Author:Scurria, Andrew Area:Pennsylvania Lines:91 Added:07/22/2006

In the wake of legal challenges to a statute that denies federal financial aid to students with drug convictions, groups across higher education are pressing for a reevaluation of universities' responses to marijuana-related offenses.

These groups, which range in name from Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation to Students for Sensible Drug Policy, have taken aim at the way in which colleges deal with students caught using marijuana.

The main criticism offered by these groups is directed at the fact that marijuana-related incidents often prompt police involvement and parental notification -- which doesn't happen at many of these schools for alcohol-related offenses. They also contend that alcohol and controlled substances should both be governed with the goal of preventing injury, not preventing use.

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85 US CA: Editorial: Dude, Where's My Loan?Sat, 03 Jun 2006
Source:Los Angeles Times (CA)          Area:California Lines:68 Added:06/06/2006

Financial Aid Shouldn't Be Tied to a Student's Drug Record.

COLLEGE KIDS WOULD BE BETTER OFF not taking drugs. They'd also be better off not drinking when they're underage, not driving drunk at any age and generally not doing illegal and dangerous things. Most people (except certain college kids) would agree this makes sense.

But a federal law that singles out drug violations from other kinds of lawbreaking for special discipline doesn't make any sense. A 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act denies federal aid to students with drug convictions. That goes even for misdemeanor cases. But it doesn't affect those who commit, say, sexual assault, burglary or, for that matter, murder.

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86 US: Groups Fight Rule on Aid to StudentsMon, 15 May 2006
Source:Los Angeles Times (CA) Author:Mehtam, Seema Area:United States Lines:212 Added:05/15/2006

Drug Convictions Disqualify Applicants From Getting Federal Funds. Foes Say The Law Is Unfair.

After Marisa Garcia was busted for possessing a pipe with marijuana residue, she pleaded guilty, paid a $415 fine and thought she had paid her debt to society.

She was wrong: When she applied for federal financial aid to attend Cal State Fullerton, she learned she was ineligible because of the misdemeanor conviction.

"I was thinking I made this horrible mistake which is going to ruin my access to education," said Garcia, 25, of Santa Fe Springs. The sociology major's mother is refinancing her home mortgage to help pay Garcia's fees . "You've already been punished and now you get punished twice ... and I don't think that punishment is benefiting anyone," Garcia said.

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87 US IL: Editorial: Loan DeniedWed, 10 May 2006
Source:Chicago Tribune (IL)          Area:Illinois Lines:63 Added:05/10/2006

Eight years ago President Bill Clinton signed into law a novel approach to fighting illegal drug use. The law said if you are convicted of a drug crime, the government won't help to underwrite your college education. The Department of Education says 189,000 college aid applicants have since been turned down because of drug records.

Indiana has had the highest rate of rejected applicants, according to an analysis by Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Ironically, the law was sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.). The data show that 8,903 of Indiana's 1.8 million applicants (0.5 percent) for federally backed college loans, grants and work-study jobs have been rejected since the law took effect in the 2000-01 school year. In Illinois, 8,071 of 3.2 million applicants have been rejected, about the national rate.

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88US AR: Drug Busts Cost Students MoneyMon, 08 May 2006
Source:Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock, AR) Author:Jensen, Van Area:Arkansas Lines:Excerpt Added:05/09/2006

Groups Out To Change Federal Law

In the past five years, almost 1,900 students or prospective students at Arkansas colleges and universities have been denied federal student aid because they admitted to a drug conviction, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Education. Arkansas had the eighthhighest rate -- 0.27 percent -- of post-secondary students denied aid among all states, the data show. Nationally, nearly 190,000 students, or about 1 per 400, lost out on funding because of a provision to the Higher Education Act signed into law by President Clinton. Most federal student aid is awarded through Pell Grants, which contribute up to $3,125 per year to an undergraduate, according to the Education Department. The release of a state-bystate breakdown in late April has added steam to the effort of student groups, educators and legislators -- including U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark. -- to repeal the law. On March 22, Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, a Washington, D.C.-based group that "educates on the harm caused by the war on drugs," filed a class-action lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union against the Education Department, calling for aid to be given to students who were denied it because of drug convictions. There are three plaintiffs so far, none from Arkansas. Snyder is co-sponsoring a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the provision. "Here's the problem: These are people who are being candid about their past," Snyder said of denied students. "They've been accepted into school.

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89 US IN: PUB LTE: 'Drug Abuse Is Bad, Drug War Is Worse'Wed, 03 May 2006
Source:Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, IN) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Indiana Lines:49 Added:05/06/2006

I respectfully disagree with the Chronicle-Tribune's April 25 editorial on the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses.

Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career op-portunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime.

Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.

[continues 130 words]

90 US: Study: Drug Use Can Hurt College Financial AidMon, 01 May 2006
Source:Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, The (IA) Author:Heinz, Katie Area:United States Lines:108 Added:05/03/2006

WASHINGTON --- More than 2,300 Iowa students --- and nearly 200,000 students nationwide --- have been denied financial aid since the 2000-2001 school year because of drug convictions, a new study shows.

The study was released by a group called Students for Sensible Drug Policy, which is working to repeal a federal law that makes college students ineligible for financial aid if they have been convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs.

The law, called the Aid Elimination Penalty, is part of the recently passed Higher Education Act. Under the law, students who acknowledge selling or possessing drugs on a federal loan application are ineligible for aid.

[continues 622 words]

91 US CA: Edu: Group Awaits Response To Financial Aid LawsuitWed, 26 Apr 2006
Source:Daily Nexus (CA Edu) Author:Bobek, Patricia Area:California Lines:116 Added:04/29/2006

While it still has until next month, the U.S. Dept. of Education has yet to respond to a lawsuit challenging its policy of withholding financial aid from students with prior drug convictions.

Filed on March 22 by the nonprofit organization Students for Sensible Drug Policy, the lawsuit aims to eliminate a provision in the Higher Education Act that denies federal loans and aid to students with prior drug convictions, said Tom Angell, campaigns director for SSDP. The Dept. of Education has 60 days from the time of filing to respond before the case goes to trial.

[continues 639 words]

92 US NH: Editorial: Tying Student Aid To Drug Laws PunishesSat, 29 Apr 2006
Source:Concord Monitor (NH)          Area:New Hampshire Lines:84 Added:04/29/2006

Thanks go to the Students for Sensible Drug Policy for compiling statistics about the number of college students affected by a 1998 law that suspends federal financial aid for students convicted of drug offenses. The numbers don't so much provide convincing evidence of the law's stupidity - that was clear from the start - but rather of the toll that it is taking.

According to the information released by the student organization, more than 200,000 students have been denied federal grants, loans and work-study aid in the last six years because of the law. Included in that total are more than 500 New Hampshire and 200 Vermont students.

[continues 509 words]

93US WI: Drug Law Cuts Off Student AidFri, 21 Apr 2006
Source:Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Author:Twohey, Megan Area:Wisconsin Lines:Excerpt Added:04/23/2006

3,000 In State Denied Funding, Release Shows

Nearly 3,000 Wisconsin students have been denied financial aid for college under a federal law that remains controversial even as it undergoes reform.

The law prohibits people who have been convicted of selling or possessing drugs from receiving Pell Grants and other forms of federal financial aid. Since 2000, it has been used to refuse assistance to more than 189,000 needy students, including 2,897 in Wisconsin, according to a state-by-state breakdown released for the first time by the U.S. Department of Education.

[continues 1085 words]

94 US OK: State Ranks High In Financial Aid Lost To DrugTue, 18 Apr 2006
Source:Oklahoman, The (OK) Author:Simpson, Susan Area:Oklahoma Lines:78 Added:04/18/2006

Hundreds of Oklahomans have been denied federal financial aid for college because they have drug convictions.

A report by Students for Sensible Drug Policy states that 2,508 Oklahomans -- the 11th highest percentage in the nation -- could not receive aid the past five years because of a provision of the Higher Education Act.

About 190,000 would-be students have been affected nationwide, or about one in every 400, said the group, which obtained the information through the settlement of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education.

[continues 397 words]

95 US IN: Drug Offenses Cost Indiana Students College AidMon, 17 Apr 2006
Source:Chicago Tribune (IL)          Area:Indiana Lines:73 Added:04/18/2006

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana leads the nation in the rate of college students being denied federal aid because of a law that bars those with drug convictions from receiving tuition assistance, a study published Monday showed.

Since 2000, more than 8,900 Indiana students have lost their eligibility for federal financial aid because of drug offenses, according to an analysis by the advocacy group Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

That amounts to one out of every two hundred Indiana students who applied for aid.

[continues 336 words]

96US IN: Drugs Halt Aid For 8,900 StudentsMon, 17 Apr 2006
Source:Indianapolis Star (IN) Author:Hupp, Staci Area:Indiana Lines:Excerpt Added:04/17/2006

Indiana Has Highest Rate Of Financial-Aid Seekers Denied For Drug Offenses

Tonisha Mauldin had more than her clean record at stake when campus police found marijuana in her IUPUI student apartment last fall.

A drug conviction could have forced her to drop out of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Mauldin said, because she depends on loans and scholarships to pay for school.

Federal law strips financial aid from college students with drug offenses. That law has hit Indiana harder than any other state since it took effect six years ago, according to an activist group that has joined a nationwide push to overturn the law.

[continues 600 words]

97 US IN: 8,903 Hoosiers Refused Loans Under Drug LawFri, 14 Apr 2006
Source:Journal Gazette, The (IN) Author:Smith, Sylvia Area:Indiana Lines:80 Added:04/15/2006

WASHINGTON - Drug offenses, or refusal to answer questions about possible convictions, booted 8,903 Hoosier applicants out of contention for federal financial aid for college in the past six academic years, about one out of every 200 requests for grants or loans.

Students who are convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs can lose all or part of their eligibility for the $67 million federal pool for grants, loans and work-study assistance under legislation written in the 1990s by Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd.

[continues 396 words]

98 US OH: Edu: PUB LTE: Drug Convictions Deny Federal AidWed, 12 Apr 2006
Source:Lantern, The (OH Edu) Author:Sharpe, Robert Area:Ohio Lines:47 Added:04/14/2006

To the Editor:

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youths convicted of drug offenses.

Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, the HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.

[continues 121 words]

99 US RI: Edu: ACLU, SSDP File Lawsuit To Repeal Drug PolicyWed, 12 Apr 2006
Source:Good 5 Cent Cigar (U of RI: Edu) Author:McCabe, Brenna Area:Rhode Island Lines:148 Added:04/13/2006

Kraig Selken is a student at Northern State University in South Dakota. Like any typical junior in college, he was excited about the prospect of graduating in June 2007. However, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possessing marijuana in October 2000, his dreams of pursuing a career after college are now plagued by a newly-acquired debt.

Selkin is one of 200,000 students who have been denied further financial aid by universities in light of minor drug convictions because of federal law. Now the American Civil Liberties Union and Students for Sensible Drug Policy have filed a joint class-action lawsuit against the United States Department of Education in order to amend Section 484 of the Higher Education Act. Selken is one of three individually named plaintiffs.

[continues 1009 words]

100 US MN: Edu: Editorial: Federal Laws Restricting Financial AidThu, 13 Apr 2006
Source:University Chronicle (MN Edu)          Area:Minnesota Lines:56 Added:04/13/2006

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?

[continues 276 words]


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