NORML SA DRUG SANCTION REFORM OPPOSED BY ADMINISTRATORS

University Officials Said They Do Not Support a Student Association
Resolution That Calls for More Lenient Sanctions for Marijuana Use.

Last week the SA Senate voted for the University to examine a
less-stringent sanction for students guilty of marijuana violations.
GW's chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
Laws introduced the resolution, arguing that the illegal substance is
less dangerous than alcohol.

Some University administrators said there is no reason to change the
sanctions.

"I would not be in support of changing the current policy as it has
continually had a positive impact on the University community for many
years," said Tara Woolfson, director of Student Judicial Services,
which administers sanctions to students who are found in violation of
University policy.

SA President Lamar Thorpe said that he is in support of reducing
University sanctions for marijuana use, but cannot support the
resolution because it does not effectively outline the need for the
proposed changes. He vetoed the legislation on Tuesday.

Thorpe, a senior, explained that he believes marijuana use on campus
is dangerous, however; he thinks individuals using the drug should be
offered help, not punished.

Thorpe said he plans to work with GW NORML to produce a modified
resolution.

President of GW NORML, Greg Hersh, said he feels the administration is
unwilling to listen to students' opinions.

Hersh and NORML leaders believe the current marijuana policy is
harming students by reducing their chances of receiving financial aid
and taking away campus housing. The Senate accepted the resolution by
an 11-7 vote after hours of debate.

"To blatantly disregard the will of the students, including our most
powerful body, the Student Association, shows that we have very little
power over our own existence here at GW," said Hersh, a junior.

He added that a penalty such as losing University housing, which is
the minimum sanction for a drug violation along with required
participation in an education program and a $50 fine, is ineffective
in decreasing drug use.

"Eviction from housing isn't even related to the drug violation as a
penalty like drug education classes (with accurate information from
CADE) would be," Hersh said.

Some professors, however, expressed support for NORML's position.
Sociology Professor William Chambliss specializes in drug abuse and
drug laws and said the idea of reforming marijuana sanctions both
nationally and at universities is not new and has gained support in
some places. He said when some countries reduced drug penalties, the
usage and corresponding crime generally decreased.

"The whole idea that we are still punishing people for marijuana is an
absurd anachronism," Chambliss said.

He pointed out that many states and universities such as those in
California have more liberal polices, essentially decriminalizing marijuana.

GW's Code of Student Conduct, which was approved in 1995, defines the
University's drug and alcohol policy. Minor changes and amendments
were added since that time, Woolfson said.

In order for the Code of Conduct to be changed, a review must be
called and approved by Dean of Students Linda Donnels. University
bodies such as the Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees would then
examine the resolution, Woolfson added.