Pubdate: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 Source: Journal Gazette, The (IN) Copyright: 2005 The Journal Gazette Contact: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/908 Author: Robert Carroll Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) CONVICTED STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE AID Apparently, Rep. Mark Souder is not a popular man within the drug culture. An Internet search of "Rep. Souder" produces dozens of pro-marijuana Web sites, every one in opposition to our congressman. There must be something about the nature of the agenda that prevents the pro-cannabis crowd from being completely honest when they promote their cause. I refer to the opinion piece by Marisa Garcia, a sociology major at California State University at Fullerton, "Souder's drug provision keeps good kids out of college" (April 9). She complained that she could not receive federal student aid after her drug conviction, and that it was Souder's fault. After all, he championed a provision in the Higher Education Act that she claimed prevents poor people from attending college by denying federal aid to those convicted of drug crimes. A review of the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid instructions reveals a much different interpretation of the Souder legislation. Here are some of the facts omitted by Garcia: If the conviction came when the applicant was a minor, it doesn't count. If the student entered a diversion program and had his or her record expunged, that doesn't count either. If the conviction for possessing drugs came as an adult, the applicant is ineligible for one year unless the student enters a qualified rehabilitation program. With more than one drug possession conviction or for a conviction of selling drugs, students can become eligible for financial aid after completing a drug rehab program or waiting a specified time before applying. My thanks to Souder for a reasonable approach toward discouraging illegal drug possession and sales. His law offers a much better opportunity to produce responsible adults than legalizing marijuana ever could. ROBERT CARROLL Fort Wayne - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman