NEW RULES BAN STUDENT AID FOR DRUG OFFENSE CONVICTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Students convicted of drug offenses -- especially for
the sale of drugs -- will lose eligibility for federal college tuition aid
programs, including Pell Grants and student loans, under new Education
Department regulations.

Penalties under the rules that take effect July 1 will range from a
yearlong suspension to permanent denial of financial aid, according to the
regulations -- released Friday -- that are based on a law passed last year.
Students must report their pasts on federal financial aid forms.

"We are very concerned about students being truthful about all aspects of
the financial aid application," said D. Jean Veta, the deputy general
counsel for the Education Department.

"There is no database (of drug convictions) that we can check. On the other
hand, if we find out a student has lied, we not only require repayment of
any aid received, but the student would be at risk for prosecution for
lying to the federal government."

The rule will not apply to juvenile court records or proceedings.