URI FACULTY SUPPORTS CHANGE IN DRUG LAW

To the Editor:

I moved that the URI Faculty Senate pass the following resolution:

(Ref. to Student Senate Resolution calling for the support of H.R. 685.)

"Whereas, a provision in the Higher Education Act of 1998 mandates that
students or prospective students convicted of any drug-related offence be
denied eligibility for federal financial aid for a period ranging from One
Year to a Lifetime, and

Whereas, this provision of the Higher Education Act 1998 has a
discriminatory impact on a number of demographics including people of color
and students of low to moderate economic means, and

Whereas, it has been shown that education is an important factor in
rehabilitating persons convicted of a crime and allowing such people to
become productive, well-rounded citizens, therefore be it

Resolved, that the URI Faculty Senate supports H.R. 685, which will repeal
the applicable portions of the Higher Education Act of 1998, and be it further

Resolved, that the URI Faculty Senate urges Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Rep.
James Langevin, and the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher
Education to express public support of H. R. 685"

In addition, the Senate is required to pass on the resolution to
Congressmen Kennedy and Langevin.

The motion passed unanimously.

John R. Leo