DRUG USE DOESN'T DESERVE AID

THERE goes that pesky government again trying to take away all of our good
fun. Or are they? This time around, the government might be sticking its
nose in the right place.

College students all across the country are feeling the pinch as lawmakers
and administrators tighten the reins when it comes to issues like alcohol
and drug use. The federal government's attempt in October, though, may be
just the roadblock needed to stop financially dependent, irresponsible
students right in their tracks.

The Higher Education Act, which became law this past October, includes a
provision that prohibits those convicted of possession or sale of a
controlled substance from receiving federal financial aid. Those to whom
this act applies would be ineligible for aid for at least one year.

The Drug Reform Coordination Network is coordinating staunch opposition to
the clause because of its supposed racial bias.

College students have a right to be independent, but only within the
conditions of the law. Race aside, those who choose to break the rules and
regulations that govern our land should not reap the benefits of a system
that expects them to display a little citizenship now and then.

Those to whom the federal government has given an opportunity to attend
college should be held to a higher standard than the majority of today's
youth. A primary stipulation for receiving federal financial aid should be
following the laws of the same government that provides for their education.

The HEA provision also has come under scrutiny due to racial implications
it may have among college and university students. Associate Director of
the Drug Reform Coordination Network Adam J. Smith said in an interview
that "the reality is what it's going to do is discriminate" against blacks
and lower-income students ("Reform group challenges HEA financial aid act,"
Feb. 15, The Cavalier Daily.) He mentioned statistics showing that blacks
comprise 12 percent of the nation's population and 13 percent of the
nation's drug users, as well as 55 percent of the nation's drug convictions.

Where is the merit in saying that black and low-income students should not
be penalized for their illegal actions? When did a problem such as
widespread drug use among an underprivileged demographic become a reason to
federally subsidize education for those who break the law? The answers are
simple.

Attending a university or college in America sets a student apart from a
great many in this country. This is true especially for low-income and
minority students. The federal government should not spend its money on
those who think nothing of breaking the law.

This provision does discriminate, but not the way people would think. It
serves to weed out those who are undeserving of federal financial aid
because they break the rules. The percentage of minority and low-income
students who use drugs is high, and the HEA may affect more of this group
than any other, but nonetheless, intervention is necessary.

As students, we must be held to the same standards with regards to our
position as representatives of our school, state and country, not our race.
All students--black, white or any other--should be treated with the same
penalty for disregarding the law. This means losing federal financial aid.

Just revoking financial aid and, perhaps consequently, the education of a
drug user will not help that person stop.

People who use drugs need professional help, not subsidized education. But
completely turning them away from all resources for rehabilitation is not
the answer. If a student loses financial aid and is forced to leave school,
the federal government and the school should be responsible for providing
rehabilitation and making sure that student can get back on track.

Drugs and alcohol have long stood as institutions on college campuses.
Sadly, we have felt their danger and detriment all too often, but colleges
and universities everywhere are making strides to discourage their use.

There is not a better way to deter the use and sale of illegal drugs among
students than revocation of federal financial aid.

When it comes to college students, the all too familiar slogan "Say No To
Drugs" may go in one ear and out the other. But "Say Goodbye To Financial
Aid" sure won't.