DRUG POLICY WON'T HELP STUDENTS TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND

That the federal government denies financial aid to students with drug
offenses is unfair, counter-productive and disgusting.

The largest drug problem at campuses around the nation is alcohol. Would we
even consider denying financial aid to students who work in a convenience
store and sometimes sell alcohol?

On April 10, Broome Community College Students for Sensible Drug Policy
will take part in a nationwide demonstration calling for full repeal of the
Higher Education Act "Drug Provision," which denies or delays financial aid
to all students with drug offenses, without regard to the type of
substances involved or the circumstances surrounding the offense.

Keeping kids out of schools will only keep them on the streets, probably to
use or sell more drugs.

Access to education is a crucial tool in combating this nation's drug
problem. Denying financial aid to students who want to better their lives
is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

JUSTIN HOLMES FOUNDER, BCC STUDENTS FOR SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY BINGHAMTON