AS OTHERS SAY IT...

This academic year, nearly 44,000 college students will be denied federal
financial aid because of a drug conviction in their background. Many will
properly bear the financial penalty for having violated drug laws. But for
others, the hit will be far more punitive than lawmakers envisioned.

People who commit drug offenses before going on to higher education were
not intended to be targeted. The law, passed in 1998, was designed to get
university students who broke drug laws while receiving federal aid.

The law seemingly could be amended to clarify its intent, but it hasn't
been. The measure continues to act like a buzz saw, cutting down the
opportunities of thousands of students.

This has led to two unintended consequences: Thousands of students simply
lie about drug possession and trafficking convictions, or simply leave the
question blank. Those who are honest about their indiscretions are penalized.

The Department of Education should enforce the law as Congress intended. Or
Congress must revisit a well-intended law that inadvertently and unfairly
has stymied the education of thousands of American students.

- --The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer