VIRGINIA TECH HAS A REPUTATION TO UPHOLD

As a resident advisor and representative of this university, I am
appalled by the efforts of the SSDP and the lone SGA senator to reduce
the punishment for student marijuana use "High Hopes," (CT, Feb. 6).

The reputation of Virginia Tech is based upon academic excellence,
innovative research, community service and outstanding athletics. None
of these attributes would be enhanced by easing the penalties for drug
use or possession. Doing so would legitimize the use of marijuana on
campus and tarnish the reputation of Virginia Tech and its students. I
know first hand the ramifications of marijuana use because I lived
with a drug-abuser and dealer my freshmen year here. He never went to
class, got a job to support his habit, spent all of his money on
marijuana, neglected his schoolwork and never left his bed unless it
was to smoke. As a student, I do not want to work with, study with or
cheer our title-bound Hokies on with this type of person. As a
resident advisor, I do not want the SGA to work toward condoning the
use of marijuana within our residence halls. I would hate to look back
five or 10 years from now and have my alma mater known better for its
leniency towards drug use rather than its academics, service, and
athletics. I am confident that the SGA will see through this
unjustified legislation and will prevent its passage for the benefit
of all Hokies; past, present and future.

John Callahan

Junior, political science