FINANCIAL AID DRUG LAW REASONABLE

I'd like to respond to yesterday's editorial, "High(er) education,"
regarding your opposition to the drug use provision of the Higher Education
Act. Speaking as an Ohio University alum and as a professional educator for
36 years - but more so as a parent of one past, one present and one future
Bobcat - I support the drug provision.

The legislation does not deny admission to college for convicted drug
users, but only denies government financial aid. There are still other
financial aid avenues for those students - including loans, other
local/hometown scholarships, jobs, etc.

If I would have a student who is in need of financial aid, and only a
finite amount of money is available, I would reserve that money for those
who chose (and yes, it is a conscious decision) to avoid drugs.

- - Joseph Lorek is a high school teacher and graduate of OU (1970).