HIGHER EDUCATION ACT COUNTERPRODUCTIVE

The LSU branch of Students for Sensible Drug Policies is to be commended
for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans
to youth convicted of drug offenses.

Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, 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 Americans 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 end the intergenerational culture war otherwise
known as the war on drugs should contact Students for Sensible Drug Policy
at www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy