Pubdate: Wed, 19 Oct 2005
Source: Post, The (Ohio U, OH Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The Post
Contact: http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/letter.php
Website: http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1269
Author: Joseph Lorek
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FINANCIAL AID DRUG LAW REASONABLE

I'd like to respond to yesterday's editorial, "High(er) education," 
regarding your opposition to the drug use provision of the Higher Education 
Act. Speaking as an Ohio University alum and as a professional educator for 
36 years - but more so as a parent of one past, one present and one future 
Bobcat - I support the drug provision.

The legislation does not deny admission to college for convicted drug 
users, but only denies government financial aid. There are still other 
financial aid avenues for those students - including loans, other 
local/hometown scholarships, jobs, etc.

If I would have a student who is in need of financial aid, and only a 
finite amount of money is available, I would reserve that money for those 
who chose (and yes, it is a conscious decision) to avoid drugs.

- - Joseph Lorek is a high school teacher and graduate of OU (1970). 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D