Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2003
Source: Narragansett Times (RI)
Copyright: 2003 Narragansett Times
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1714
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2683
Author: John R. Leo
Note: John R. Leo is Professor of English and Film Studies at URI
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

URI FACULTY SUPPORTS CHANGE IN DRUG LAW

To the Editor:

I moved that the URI Faculty Senate pass the following resolution:

(Ref. to Student Senate Resolution calling for the support of H.R. 685.)

"Whereas, a provision in the Higher Education Act of 1998 mandates that 
students or prospective students convicted of any drug-related offence be 
denied eligibility for federal financial aid for a period ranging from One 
Year to a Lifetime, and

Whereas, this provision of the Higher Education Act 1998 has a 
discriminatory impact on a number of demographics including people of color 
and students of low to moderate economic means, and

Whereas, it has been shown that education is an important factor in 
rehabilitating persons convicted of a crime and allowing such people to 
become productive, well-rounded citizens, therefore be it

Resolved, that the URI Faculty Senate supports H.R. 685, which will repeal 
the applicable portions of the Higher Education Act of 1998, and be it further

Resolved, that the URI Faculty Senate urges Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Rep. 
James Langevin,  and the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher 
Education to express public support of H. R. 685"

In addition, the Senate is required to pass on the resolution to 
Congressmen Kennedy and Langevin.

The motion passed unanimously.

John R. Leo
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MAP posted-by: Tom