EDUCATION BUZZ SAW

Enforce Federal Drug-Conviction Law As It Was Initially Intended

This academic year, nearly 44,000 college students will be denied
federal financial aid because of a drug conviction in their
background. Many will properly bear the financial penalty for having
violated drug laws. But for others, the hit will be far more punitive
than lawmakers envisioned.

People who commit drug offenses before going on to higher education
were not intended to be targeted. The law, passed in 1998, was
designed to get university students who broke drug laws while
receiving federal aid. The law seemingly could be amended to clarify
its intent, but it hasn't been. Despite the efforts of its author,
Indiana Republican Rep. Mark Souder, to force the Department of
Education to bring its enforcement efforts into line with its intent,
the measure continues to act like a buzz saw, cutting down the
opportunities of thousands of students.

This has led to two unintended consequences: Thousands of students
simply lie about drug possession and trafficking convictions, or
simply leave the question blank. Those who are honest about their
indiscretions are penalized.

The Department of Education should enforce the law as Congress
intended. Or Congress must revisit a well-intended law that
inadvertently and unfairly has stymied the education of thousands of
American students.

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer