CONGRESS SOFTENS DRUG PENALTY FOR FINANCIAL AID

The United States Congress voted Feb. 1 to soften the law prohibiting
college students with drug convictions from receiving financial aid.

Previously, the Higher Education Act prevented all students with drug
convictions from receiving aid.

Last week's decision will make the opportunity for aid available for
many students; however, those students convicted since enrolling in
college are still not eligible.

According to a press release from Students for Sensible Drug Policy,
the act has affected more than 175,000 students.

SSDP aims for the full abolishment of the drug provision in the Higher
Education Act.

"After years of political posturing and empty promises, Congress has
finally helped some students harmed by this misguided policy," SSDP
executive director Kris Krane said in the press release.

SSDP works for students' rights in the courtroom also, including a
recent lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education following its
refusal to provide statistics on the number of students affected by
the drug provision.

The new measure has now been forwarded to President George W.
Bush.

Freshman elementary education major Catherine M. Cecchini agrees with
the change to the law, calling it a "maturity issue" for many students.

"It's a good thing because it allows people who have changed to start
over with a clean slate," Cecchini said.

Senior advertising major Elliot A. Motaleb agrees with the decision
and hopes the act will be alleviated further.

"Students who are convicted in college should still be able to get
aid, depending on what kind of drugs are involved," Motaleb said.

Motaleb said the difference between a marijuana conviction and one
involving harder drugs should be the deciding factor on eligibility
for aid.