CONVICTED STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE AID

Apparently, Rep. Mark Souder is not a popular man within the drug culture.
An Internet search of "Rep. Souder" produces dozens of pro-marijuana Web
sites, every one in opposition to our congressman.

There must be something about the nature of the agenda that prevents the
pro-cannabis crowd from being completely honest when they promote their
cause. I refer to the opinion piece by Marisa Garcia, a sociology major at
California State University at Fullerton, "Souder's drug provision keeps
good kids out of college" (April 9). She complained that she could not
receive federal student aid after her drug conviction, and that it was
Souder's fault.

After all, he championed a provision in the Higher Education Act that she
claimed prevents poor people from attending college by denying federal aid
to those convicted of drug crimes.

A review of the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid
instructions reveals a much different interpretation of the Souder
legislation. Here are some of the facts omitted by Garcia:

If the conviction came when the applicant was a minor, it doesn't count. If
the student entered a diversion program and had his or her record expunged,
that doesn't count either. If the conviction for possessing drugs came as
an adult, the applicant is ineligible for one year unless the student
enters a qualified rehabilitation program. With more than one drug
possession conviction or for a conviction of selling drugs, students can
become eligible for financial aid after completing a drug rehab program or
waiting a specified time before applying.

My thanks to Souder for a reasonable approach toward discouraging illegal
drug possession and sales. His law offers a much better opportunity to
produce responsible adults than legalizing marijuana ever could.

ROBERT CARROLL

Fort Wayne