DRUG REFORM COORDINATION NETWORK: The Higher Education Act Reform Campaign kicks back into high gear this month, as students nationwide have begun filling out financial aid forms. For the first time ever, this year's forms ask applicants if they have ever been convicted of a drug offense. This question represents the practical application of the drug provision of the Higher Education Act of 1998). The provision denies or delays all federal financial aid eligibility to any student, for any drug conviction.
Beginning in March, students who failed to answer the question will receive the following written instructions:
"You left Item 28 blank. IF YOU HAVE A DRUG CONVICTION, you MUST answer Item 28. Your failure to accurately answer this question could result in legal action against you by the US Government. Use the enclosed worksheet to determine your answer to this question. Then correct Part 2 of your Student Aid Report, sign it, and submit it."
By targeting financial aid, the new law imposes a secondary penalty on poor or working-class drug offenders who are trying to improve their lives through education. Wealthier students who do not depend upon student aid for their education will be unaffected. Finally, selective enforcement of the drug laws insures that the provision will have a disproportionate impact on people of color. African-Americans, for example, comprise 13% of the population and 13% of all drug users, but comprise 34% of those arrested and 55% of those convicted of drug offenses.
DRCNET http://www.drcnet.org/wol/126.html#heacampaign TO SUPPORT REPEAL http://www.raiseyourvoice.com MTV STORY http://www.chooseorlose.com STUDENTS FOR A SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY http://www.ssdp.org