FORGIVE, DON'T FORGET

The federal government's Higher Education Act that previously had
included a strict denial of federal financial aid to students with
past drug convictions is expected to be revamped to provide more
leniency to older drug offenders.

Now, prospective students with drug-related criminal backgrounds are
being given a second chance to put their lives back together, and with
financial aid are more likely to have a chance to further their
education. Giving older offenders - who were not on financial aid at
the time of their conviction - a chance to leave their troubles in the
past is a better direction for legislation and correctly gives
reformed criminals a chance to begin anew.

With the changes, offenders who weren't enrolled in school at the time
of conviction will have regained their eligibility to apply for aid if
they wish to go back and obtain a college degree (of any level).
Offenders also could complete certain drug treatment programs to
attempt to redeem themselves for past transgressions, whereas the
previous bill delayed aid for years at a time based on the number and
severity of the charges - regardless of when charges were filed.

The changes act as clarifications of the original policy, allowing
past offenders to get a clean start. However, the legislation is not
too soft on crime because it continues to punish individuals who are
charged with drug offenses while receiving federal aid by stripping
them of the government's support.

Convicted felons will always have a stigma wherever they go. It only
is fitting in a society that values second chances that we provide
those who have paid for their crimes by not punishing them after their
release. It only is proper for the federal government to recognize
this by assisting in the education of former prisoners with the hope
that it will continue to keep them on the straight and narrow. And
there is no better way to do so than to provide them a chance at a
better education.