Voices of support and opposition have surfaced around Virginia Tech following a repeal bill currently on the House floor in the Congress.

The Higher Education Act, amended October 1998, prohibits or suspends any student convicted of a drug offense from the opportunity to receive federal financial aid.

The submission of a repeal bill is stirring controversy among legislative officials, students and organizations.

In March, H.R. 1053 was submitted by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and attracted national attention.

Coordinating the campaign, the Drug Reform Coordination Network, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization, is raising awareness of and in opposition to the provision of the HEA.

[continues 516 words]