YOUTHFUL INDISCRETION SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial
of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ["Denied for
drugs," Oct. 12]. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a
college degree, the HEA limits career opportunities and increases the
likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of
crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal
student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit
drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be
life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling),
former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs"
criticism. And thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form
of shattered lives.

More people in the U.S. went to prison or jail during the Clinton
administration than during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user,
President George W. Bush is also vulnerable when it comes to drugs.
While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from
assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The
short-term effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the
long-term effects of criminal records.

Students who want to help reform harmful drug laws should contact
Students for Sensible Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy