Pubdate: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 Source: Daily Vidette (IL Edu) Copyright: 2005 Daily Vidette Contact: http://www.dailyvidette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/666 Author: Mary Yurgil FAFSA DRUG POLICY CONSIDERED FOR CHANGE A question on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form that could deny a student any financial aid is being considered for revision after gaining criticism. The law, added to the Higher Education Act of 1998 and designed by Congressman Mark Souder, (R-IN), asks whether the applying student has had any drug convictions. "Students are wondering how closing doors will help the current drug problems among young people today," Tom Angell, communications director for Students for Sensible Drug Policy said. The question was first added in 2000 after the law was put into effect, according to SSDP. Souder's intent for the law was to be "a deterrent for drug use for young people...if there are these consequences then students will stay away from drugs. That's what he stated as his intent," Angell said. The original law was intended to apply to those students who were convicted while in college or while their application was pending, Souder's Press Secretary Martin Green said. The intent of the law was "totally misinterpreted," said Green, but was still enforced under the Clinton administration. Souder recently offered an amendment to the bill and has gained the Bush administration's support, he said. The amendment will correct the law and reinstate Souder's original intent. Last year, a House of Representative's bill was introduced by Congressman Barney Frank, (D-MA) to reinstate aid to students with drug convictions. The bill earned 70 co-sponsors but was not given a hearing and therefore was not voted on. "Congressman Frank has introduced the legislation three times to repeal the law," Peter Kovar, press secretary for Frank, said. Kovar explained the question is on the form because of the law and if the law is repealed then the question will have to be removed. "The law is unfairly targeted toward lower income families. If a student from a family that is well-off gets a conviction, chances are they will still be able to afford college. Those in families that are less well-off will not be able to afford college without aid," Kovar said. According to Angell, upon a student's first college conviction they will lose aid for one year and upon their second conviction they will lose aid for two years. On their third conviction they will lose aid indefinitely. "A lot of students cannot afford college without aid," Angell said. Students can apply for financial aid each school year, creating the possibility that a student could be denied assistance after already being enrolled. "Many cannot afford to lose aid while in the middle of college. The chances that they are going to re-enroll and come back become less likely," Angell said. Angell said Souder has agreed his law has gone too far and is in the process of revising it. "[Souder] has been backtracking and sidestepping because of all the organizations that have complained about the law." - --- MAP posted-by: Derek