USM DELAYS CRACKDOWN ON ALCOHOL, DRUG USAGE

University of Southern Mississippi administrators have delayed
implementation of a new drug and alcohol policy that prohibits employees
from working if they have any detectable level of alcohol or illegal drugs
in their system.

Lisa Mader, a university spokeswoman, said President Shelby Thames wants to
take another look at some specific issues with the policy.

"He will review it and share an updated version of the policy in mid- to
late January," Mader said.

USM officials approved the policy Nov. 3. It requires employees to sign
forms by the middle of next month saying they have read and understand the
policy. Mader said that date now changes.

The policy drew sharp criticism from the USM chapter of the American
Association of University Professors, which authorized seeking legal advice
on how to oppose it.

"The standards it sets are outrageous," said Frank Glamser, president of
the professors group.

The professors organization has delayed action on hiring a lawyer to fight
the drug policy until the proposed changes are reviewed. English professor
Gary Stringer did meet with an attorney for advice on how to handle the issue.

"I was told that this is an invasive policy that violates our Fourth
Amendment rights," Stringer said.

To oppose it, Stringer said the attorney would need $7,500 to file a motion
seeking a federal court injunction.

Glamser said the handling of the drug policy - with no input from his group
- - underlines what the group believes is a key problem with Thames'
administration.

"First we get the policy with no notice and then when we point out what
won't work, it's changed," Glamser said. "A better way would be to ask for
input before a change is mandated."