Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jan 2002
Source: Albany Times Union (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact:  http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/8
Author: Walter F. Wouk

COLLEGE AID FORM MUST CLARIFY DRUG QUESTION

According to a recent report by the Associated Press (Dec. 29) more than 
43,000 college students face possible denials of federal aid this year 
under a 1998 law that bans such help to people who have drug convictions.

The ban involves a small fraction of the more than 10 million people a year 
who fill out applications for federal grants, work-study funds or 
subsidized loans. Question 35 asks, "Have you ever been convicted of 
possessing or selling illegal drugs?" Those who answer yes are given a 
second work sheet that asks for details.

There's a cunning omission in Question 35. Applicants are not informed that 
it refers to misdemeanor or felony convictions -- not violations.

Many states have decriminalized marijuana and possession of small amounts, 
so it is not a misdemeanor or felony offense. In New York state, for 
example, possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less is a violation; so the 
applicant can correctly answer "No" to question 35.

That is a salient point that should be clarified on the financial aid 
questionnaire. The fact that it isn't calls into question the motives of 
government officials and begs the question, how many students were 
wrongfully discouraged from applying for federal aid because of the omission?

WALTER F. WOUK

Director

The Thomas Paine Project

Cobleskill
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager