2008 Woodie Awards
There is no money in drugs
Kaleb Leija Ranger Reporter
Issue date: 10/6/05 Section: Issues
- Page 1 of 1
Students nationwide are denied federal financial aid each year because of past drug convictions.
Since 1999, students have been required to report all prior convictions of selling or possessing illegal drugs on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
The form determines need-based aid and often is used by colleges and universities. Students convicted of such charges are required to wait a probationary suspension that can range from a year to infinity.
For a first-time drug possession offense, a student cannot gain eligibility for a year from the date of conviction. The sentence is even stiffer for a drug-trafficking charge. For a first-time selling conviction, a two-year probationary period is required.
According to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Web site, students may become eligible early by completing an approved drug rehabilitation program and meeting other regulatory requirements.
Although Amarillo College does not perform drug tests when determining eligibility, drug use can harm a students' performance and cause them to lose scholarships or grant money.
Gayle Ferrell is associate director of financial aid. "We are good stewards of federal aid," Ferrell said.
"However, when a student's grade point average becomes affected or they stop attending class, that's when we get involved. We take the award back."
President Jimmy Carter once said, "Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to the individual than the drug itself," and some students around campus believe the FAFSA's strict policy does more harm than good.
"Denying them financial aid only encourages their ignorance," said Rebecca Friemel, a music major. "Sometimes, the only way for them to break out of a destructive cycle is for someone to give them the opportunity to better themselves."
Still, other students believe federal aid should not be given to drug users.
"That's what they get for smoking," said Brandon Harper, a music major.
"We do good, go to class and have jobs and they end up wasting the money and dropping out."
Since 1999, students have been required to report all prior convictions of selling or possessing illegal drugs on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
The form determines need-based aid and often is used by colleges and universities. Students convicted of such charges are required to wait a probationary suspension that can range from a year to infinity.
For a first-time drug possession offense, a student cannot gain eligibility for a year from the date of conviction. The sentence is even stiffer for a drug-trafficking charge. For a first-time selling conviction, a two-year probationary period is required.
According to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Web site, students may become eligible early by completing an approved drug rehabilitation program and meeting other regulatory requirements.
Although Amarillo College does not perform drug tests when determining eligibility, drug use can harm a students' performance and cause them to lose scholarships or grant money.
Gayle Ferrell is associate director of financial aid. "We are good stewards of federal aid," Ferrell said.
"However, when a student's grade point average becomes affected or they stop attending class, that's when we get involved. We take the award back."
President Jimmy Carter once said, "Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to the individual than the drug itself," and some students around campus believe the FAFSA's strict policy does more harm than good.
"Denying them financial aid only encourages their ignorance," said Rebecca Friemel, a music major. "Sometimes, the only way for them to break out of a destructive cycle is for someone to give them the opportunity to better themselves."
Still, other students believe federal aid should not be given to drug users.
"That's what they get for smoking," said Brandon Harper, a music major.
"We do good, go to class and have jobs and they end up wasting the money and dropping out."