COLLEGE OPPOSES DRUG USE

Dear Editor:

The Phoenix's Feb. 28 report on the board's action to replace federal
financial aid denied to students with drug convictions could create the
impression that the college endorses or condones drug use. That is anything
but the case.

The board's action simply reaffirms Swarthmore's long-standing commitment
to meeting the full need of admitted students. A drug offense or any other
criminal activity should, in our view, have bearing on the admissions
process, not financial aid, and refinements to our application will provide
us with the information needed to make appropriate judgments. If a
candidate is worthy of admission -- and it's certainly conceivable that
some students with past drug offenses are -- then Swarthmore is committed
to meeting his or her full financial need, even if that means covering aid
dollars withheld by the government. Similarly, any continuing student in
good standing will have her or his need met.

Maurice G. Eldridge '61, Assistant Secretary to the Board