Pubdate: Tue, 28 Feb 2006
Source: Daily Texan (U of TX at Austin, Edu)
Copyright: 2006 Daily Texan
Contact:  http://www.dailytexanonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/115
Note: second half of editorial VIEWPOINT: Referendum Voting Guide
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

[snip]

'YES' ON REF. 2

The Daily Texan supports the referendum calling for lower penalties for 
marijuana-related offenses.

The most harmful effects of smoking marijuana are the grossly 
disproportionate penalties associated with it. Students have faced eviction 
from their dorms and expulsion from the University for possession or 
distribution of marijuana, but no harsher penalty than an alcohol awareness 
class awaits young freshmen caught smuggling Coors in their pockets.

At the same time, some students, most recently Jack Phoummarath, die of 
alcohol poisoning each year. The University has an obligation to its 
students to provide equal opportunity and equal access to its resources; 
arbitrarily privileging one class of drug users over another runs contrary 
to this concept of equality. Falling back on drug laws is no excuse either 
- - the University is a not a police force: Its job is to educate students, 
not regulate their conduct in accordance with the law, especially if that 
law is unjust as it is here.

If a student breaks the law, let the courts decide his or her punishment. 
For the University to step in and take additional punitive measures is akin 
to double jeopardy. If the University believes that an alcohol awareness 
class is sufficient to set a drinker straight, marijuana smokers should 
have to meet the same standard. If the school thinks that isn't enough 
deterrence to alcohol, it ought to rescind the title of "University" in 
favor of "preschool" or "nursery."

College students are adults who don't need to be administratively spanked.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D