SirBlazinBowl
New Member
Current federal laws prevent anyone with a drug conviction even a nonviolent one from receiving financial aid for college. With Americas rising drug problem, the logic behind the law is obvious, deter young people from engaging in drug activities by threatening their chance to go to college. However, the law is seriously flawed. Individuals with convictions involving marijuana should not be lumped into the same category as those convicted of selling crack or crystal meth. These are very different drugs, with very different effects on society.
As usual, Americas one size fits all drug policies treat all crimes as equal, even when they clearly are not. A recently released study shows that nearly 190,000 students have been turned down for financial aid since the federal government added a question that asks students if they have a drug conviction to federal financial aid forms. The study, released by Students for Sensible Drug Policy, shows that one in every 400 students is refused financial aid when they answer yes to this question. Not answering the question wont make a difference a student will only be automatically disqualified from receiving aid. Those with convictions can regain their aid eligibility by completing a drug rehab program that includes random drug tests.
Although illegal, marijuana does not wreak havoc on individuals, families and entire communities the way other drugs are known to. Why then, is it grouped in with other more dangerous drugs? Under age drinking is a huge problem in America, particularly on college campuses; there arent any policies that keep minors caught drinking from receiving financial aid. As with any legal situation, especially those involving drugs, all of the circumstances surrounding the case should be considered: one question on an application should not be enough to determine whether or not a student gets money for college. If the question isnt going to be removed from the application altogether, then a second question should be added, asking the applicant to classify the drug conviction and list the type of drug and the street value. At least, in this way, financial aid officials will have a better picture of the crime committed and can make a more informed decision.
During the 2003-2004 school year, more than 40,000 applicants were refused financial aid because they had drug convictions. Thats 40,000 students that could have gone on to become teachers, doctors, lawyers or even President of the United States in short, productive members of society. Theres no guarantee that these students wont live out their dreams of finishing college, but one thing is certain: this current barrier will only make achieving that goal that much more difficult. Judge Greg Mathis is national vice president of Rainbow PUSH and a national board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420 Magazine
Source: Chicago Defender (IL)
Copyright: 2006 Chicago Defender
Contact: editorial@chicagodefender.com
Website:Chicago Defender
Author: Judge Greg Mathis
As usual, Americas one size fits all drug policies treat all crimes as equal, even when they clearly are not. A recently released study shows that nearly 190,000 students have been turned down for financial aid since the federal government added a question that asks students if they have a drug conviction to federal financial aid forms. The study, released by Students for Sensible Drug Policy, shows that one in every 400 students is refused financial aid when they answer yes to this question. Not answering the question wont make a difference a student will only be automatically disqualified from receiving aid. Those with convictions can regain their aid eligibility by completing a drug rehab program that includes random drug tests.
Although illegal, marijuana does not wreak havoc on individuals, families and entire communities the way other drugs are known to. Why then, is it grouped in with other more dangerous drugs? Under age drinking is a huge problem in America, particularly on college campuses; there arent any policies that keep minors caught drinking from receiving financial aid. As with any legal situation, especially those involving drugs, all of the circumstances surrounding the case should be considered: one question on an application should not be enough to determine whether or not a student gets money for college. If the question isnt going to be removed from the application altogether, then a second question should be added, asking the applicant to classify the drug conviction and list the type of drug and the street value. At least, in this way, financial aid officials will have a better picture of the crime committed and can make a more informed decision.
During the 2003-2004 school year, more than 40,000 applicants were refused financial aid because they had drug convictions. Thats 40,000 students that could have gone on to become teachers, doctors, lawyers or even President of the United States in short, productive members of society. Theres no guarantee that these students wont live out their dreams of finishing college, but one thing is certain: this current barrier will only make achieving that goal that much more difficult. Judge Greg Mathis is national vice president of Rainbow PUSH and a national board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420 Magazine
Source: Chicago Defender (IL)
Copyright: 2006 Chicago Defender
Contact: editorial@chicagodefender.com
Website:Chicago Defender
Author: Judge Greg Mathis
