Denying college aid over drugs faces fight

[redqueen]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/chitrib_ts/20040105/ts_chicagotrib/denyingcollegeaidoverdrugsfacesfight">link

Thousands of college-aid applicants have been denied federal money over the last five years because they were convicted of possessing or selling drugs--a policy supporters say serves as a deterrent to drug use and ensures that aid goes to those who deserve it.

But opponents are gearing up to jettison the provision when the Higher Education Act comes up for renewal this year, arguing that education should not be used as a weapon in the war on drugs. The policy disproportionately hurts lower-income families who are least able to afford college tuition, they say, while noting that punishment for such offenses is already meted out in court.

(snip)

Matthew Atwood, a graduate student at Loyola University, feels so strongly that the law should change that he is traveling to New Hampshire this month to grill the presidential candidates on their position. (Of the nine Democratic hopefuls, only Ohio's Dennis Kucinich has called for scrapping the provision.)

(snip)

"I feel compelled to be there," he said. "If the candidates care about education than they need to care about this issue. They need to tell us how we can be smart on drugs and no longer hold education hostage."
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Not sure if any other candidates have spoken on this issue, but I'm very proud of Kucinich, again.

[judge_smales]

1. Well,

actions should have consequences! (Except if you're rich, white, well-connected or a right wing talk show host)

[redqueen]

3. I agree that actions should have consequences

However making one of those consequences the inability to rehabilitate yourself (education is key to rehabilitation), is counterproductive.

[JohnKleeb]

2. Yet another issue that most could care less about that hes the best or

alone on. I am very impressed with him for this. It does hurt poor families, I can see why Dennis would support it, with his more leanant views on drugs and his populism. Thanks Matt Atwood for bringing this to their attention hopefully they will listen, thanks to Dennis for taking the right side.

[redqueen]

4. Thanks to you for not giving up

Cynicism is easier -- kudos to you for keeping the faith. :)

:toast:

And a KICK for the night crowd!
:kick: