I have only recently begun researching the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses
Act and I am looking for some advice from some of you who are more
knowledgeable on this subject. Primarily, I was wondering who I contact if
I believe the college I am attending fails to live up to the standards set
by EDGAR.
Since this mailing list is primarily a forum for discussing Drug Abatement
Research, a brief explanation of my situation would be in order since it
raises some serious legal issues. I am a 27 year-old senior lacking 19
credits of graduating with honors (Summa Cum Laude) with a computer
science degree. I was actively involved in leadership on campus and won a
scholarship to attend a semester long leadershhip program at another
institution. I remained enrolled at my home college while attending this
leadership program in another state. Following my completion of the
semester, I went with a group of students and a professor and had a social
drink. Nobody was intoxicated, the most anybody drank was three beers over
the span of two hours, it was just a social gathering. My home college
found out about it and I was told I was being suspended for a semester.
The claim was that my college has a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol
consumption and since I was enrolled through the college I fell under that
policy. However, the college handbook that was in effect at the time says
only that "alcohol on the campus will not be tolerated". They have since
modified the student handbook, but it still remains vague concerning legal
drinking away from school property or events.
My college's policy was obviously not a "clear statement" as required by
EDGAR or they would not have seen the need to modify it. I have
interviewed dorm supervisors who have told me it is alright to drink off
campus, while the dean of administration claims it is not. Nobody really
seems to know what is allowed and what the punishment is for drinking. If
there is a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol, it is not consistently
enforced and the result is fustrated and disapointed students like myself.
For those of you who are policy setters at colleges, what we students want
are clear and consistent policies so we know what to expect.
If anyone has any suggestions for me on courses of action to take or would
like more details on my situation, feel free to contact me at my email address.
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