Pubdate: Fri, 11 Apr 2003
Source: Good 5 Cent Cigar (RI Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Good 5 Cent Cigar
Contact:  http://www.ramcigar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2599
Author: Jamie Turcotte
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

CAROTHERS SHOWS SUPPORT FOR DRUG PROVISION REPEAL

President Robert L. Carothers is pushing Rhode Island congressmen to 
support the repeal of a drug provision to the High Education Act that 
disqualifies students from receiving any type of federal financial aid.

The provision, which was implemented in 1998, says students with drug 
convictions are not eligible to receive federal financial aid, including 
federal loans.

The provision "is not going to solve our nation's problems," Carothers 
said. The road to recovery from a drug charge is through education. Also, 
since students with a conviction already face the consequences of the law, 
"There's no reason to deny them access to financial aid."

The provision has more of an impact on poor students, rather than wealthier 
ones since wealthy students don't usually apply for federal aid. "It's 
really low-income people who are disadvantaged by this," Carothers said.

Carothers has taken part in various organizations to address the issue of 
alcohol abuse including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and 
Alcoholism's Committee on Campus Drinking and the High Education Center for 
Alcohol and Drug Prevention Presidential Leadership Group.

"As much as I oppose the use and abuse of substances, I don't want to 
penalize those who choose to come to college to change their lives," he said.

The original intent of the provision was to punish students attending a 
university and abusing drugs, but the provision has also affected students 
waiting to enroll, Carothers said.

Rhode Island Representatives James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy have not 
yet voiced an opinion on the issue.

"Rhode Island legislators haven't opposed it but they haven't taken a stand 
on it," Carothers said. "It may be just a matter of getting them fully 
informed to support it."

Tom Angell, president of URI Students for Sensible Drug Policy, has 
collected over 1,000 signatures in an attempt to push Kennedy and Langevin 
toward taking a stand.

"I think it's necessary they listen to the voices of higher education and 
support this bill," he said.

Student Senate President-elect Kevin Lopes also voiced his support for the 
repeal.

"I firmly believe education is our most valuable resource," he said. "I 
urge everyone to contact their local congressman."
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MAP posted-by: Tom