For the first time in three years, the SUNY New Paltz administration has been listening more than ever to the student senate in regards to drug policy reform, said Student Association President Brian Gold. The two parties which once held aggressive and antagonistic discourse now have been able to maintain a productive relationship which "has potential for a great deal of success," said Gold. Most recently, the student senate has passed a resolution aimed towards changing the drug policy for students found in possession of marijuana. The legislation would remove expulsion as a possible punishment for second time marijuana offenders, establishing a new policy that includes removal from residence halls as a punishment and potentially creating a drug education program. Written by former Sen. Josh Goldberg, this piece of legislation focuses on a specific aspect of the entire drug policy. "Some think it's small," Goldberg said of the resolution. "I think it's a big step." [continues 632 words]
Judicial Board Structure Causes Disagreement Between Students And Administration At a college that is well known to be politically and socially active, SUNY New Paltz's drug policy has always been a persistent issue on the agenda of the student senate and among many students. There are several variables to the entire drug policy reform issue that complicate it. "Last time I checked, smoking weed is illegal," said Eric Karnis, a junior communication and media major, who suggested that the student senate should focus on issues such as funding the children's care center. [continues 665 words]
