CAROTHERS SHOWS SUPPORT FOR DRUG PROVISION REPEAL

President Robert L. Carothers is pushing Rhode Island congressmen to
support the repeal of a drug provision to the High Education Act that
disqualifies students from receiving any type of federal financial aid.

The provision, which was implemented in 1998, says students with drug
convictions are not eligible to receive federal financial aid, including
federal loans.

The provision "is not going to solve our nation's problems," Carothers
said. The road to recovery from a drug charge is through education. Also,
since students with a conviction already face the consequences of the law,
"There's no reason to deny them access to financial aid."

The provision has more of an impact on poor students, rather than wealthier
ones since wealthy students don't usually apply for federal aid. "It's
really low-income people who are disadvantaged by this," Carothers said.

Carothers has taken part in various organizations to address the issue of
alcohol abuse including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism's Committee on Campus Drinking and the High Education Center for
Alcohol and Drug Prevention Presidential Leadership Group.

"As much as I oppose the use and abuse of substances, I don't want to
penalize those who choose to come to college to change their lives," he said.

The original intent of the provision was to punish students attending a
university and abusing drugs, but the provision has also affected students
waiting to enroll, Carothers said.

Rhode Island Representatives James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy have not
yet voiced an opinion on the issue.

"Rhode Island legislators haven't opposed it but they haven't taken a stand
on it," Carothers said. "It may be just a matter of getting them fully
informed to support it."

Tom Angell, president of URI Students for Sensible Drug Policy, has
collected over 1,000 signatures in an attempt to push Kennedy and Langevin
toward taking a stand.

"I think it's necessary they listen to the voices of higher education and
support this bill," he said.

Student Senate President-elect Kevin Lopes also voiced his support for the
repeal.

"I firmly believe education is our most valuable resource," he said. "I
urge everyone to contact their local congressman."