FAFSA QUESTION 31 IS DISCRIMINATORY

There is no reason for the federal government to ask students about
previous drug convictions in order to receive financial aid. Question
31 on FAFSA applications targets minor marijuana offenders, as they
make up the bulk of illegal substance convictions.

The federal government does not inquire about minor in possession
convictions or other misdemeanors, so why is marijuana clearly
targeted? Although the question seems to intend to keep criminals out
of classrooms and to spend less tax dollars, there are no questions
regarding any other criminal offense. Violent crimes are not addressed
- -- only drug convictions.

ISU-NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) is
a student-run organization that is fighting against these
unreasonable and unjust drug policies.

We not only want the federal government to erase this question, but we
also want Ames to be similar to university towns like Ann Arbor,
Mich., and Columbia, Mo. In these cities, the possession of small
quantities of marijuana is treated as a city offense and not reported
to the state or federal government.

This allows dozens of law-abiding, good students to continue their
education each year.

Why is getting caught reason enough to take an education away from
someone?

Mark Nieman, Senior

Political Science