CAROTHERS: CHANGE FEDERAL DRUG BILL

SOUTH KINGSTOWN - Getting caught for possession of one marijuana cigarette
is all that it takes to be denied access to federal aid for college tuition
under current law, and University of Rhode Island President Robert
Carothers and student leaders want that to change.

With Carothers' support, the Student Senate passed a resolution calling for
House representatives to repeal the drug provision of the Higher Education
Act, which prohibits drug offenders from receiving any federal funding for
college tuition.

"As much as I oppose the use and misuse [of drugs and alcohol], I don't
believe we want to penalize those who want to come to college to change
their lives," said Carothers at a press conference held at the university
last Thursday afternoon to coincide with the National Day of Action to
repeal the restriction.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 92,841 students have
been denied federal aid since the provision was put in place in 1998. More
than half of those prohibited from obtaining a federal grant or loan were
denied last year. The numbers do not include those who might not have
applied for fear they would be ineligible.

Tom Angell, a junior at URI and president of Students for Sensible Drug
Policy, said the provision is unfair to low-income families and minorities,
who are more frequently convicted of drug offenses, because it punishes
them twice for the same crime.

"Minorities and African Americans are being denied an education at a
disproportionate rate," he explained. "It's not going to solve our nation's
drug problems. The current policy only pushes students back toward the street."

Angell explained that student leaders have pledged their support for house
bill 685, sponsored by Representative Barney Frank, Massachusetts Democrat,
which will repeal the drug provision.

Carothers said about 80 percent of the student population receives some
type of federal grant or loan to pay for tuition.

"If you have enough money [to pay tuition], you don't need to worry," he
said. "But low-income people are disadvantaged by this."

Student senate president Kevin Lopes agreed.

"I firmly believe it is nothing short of criminal to strip [education] from
anyone," he said.

Angell has collected more than 1,000 signatures to send to Rhode Island
Congressmen James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy, who have not yet taken a
position on the bill.

Michael Guilfoyle, director of communications for Langevin's office
explained that Langevin is presently reviewing the language of the legislation.

"There's a great deal of thoughtful deliberation that goes into his
decision," Guilfoyle said, adding that the bill is not expected to pass
during this session.

"He respects and appreciates hearing from students at URI. He encourages
them to express their opinions," he said.

Ernesto Anguilla, Kennedy's press secretary also acknowledged that Kennedy
is aware of the bill and is reviewing it carefully.

"If he does decide to support it, he will be a co-sponsor," Anguilla said.

URI is not the first college or university to take a stand against the
provision. The Undergraduate Council of Students from Brown University, and
more than 100 other colleges and national organizations have also called
for its repeal.

"Access to higher education has always been the way out of poverty for
millions of children of immigrants and minority parents," Carothers said,
adding they should not be excluded from higher education because it can
help them "rise above their surroundings."

During his tenure as president, Carothers has supported prevention of drug
and alcohol abuse as well as earned grants for that cause.

"I don't take lightly or casually this position on Congressman Frank's
legislation," he said.

Carothers acknowledged that repealing the bill is a "complex issue" and
hopes for Langevin and Kennedy's support. Angell said the bill will have a
large impact on improving access to education.

"I think it's necessary that they listen to the voices of the higher
education community and take a position on this bill," he said.