The 'Drug Provision' of the Higher Education Act is possibly the right wing's worst direct assault on America's students. It's an amendment to the Higher Education Act that strips all federal education assistance, (including all loans and all work-study funds) from any student with any drug-related conviction. This includes non-violent, first-time misdemeanor marijuana possession, which is the most common drug conviction in America.To date, the 'Drug Provision' has denied 153,000 students an affordable college education, and deterred countless thousands more from even applying. And now the Bush administration has chosen to vigorously expand enforcement, ensuring many more will be locked out of a better, more productive life.
The NAACP, ACLU, and Click Back America are committed to getting the 'Drug Provision' repealed. Because the Higher Education Act is up for renewal, the next few weeks are the best chance in five years to get Congress to take action on this issue.
Sign the Petition to repeal the 'Drug Provision'
Here are just a few of the reasons to oppose the 'Drug Provision':
1) It slams the door on students struggling to use education to build a better life. That increases the likelihood of repeat offenses and more serious crimes.
2) All students covered by the "drug provision" have already been punished by a judge who had the option of withholding educational assistance. That means the "drug provision" only actually affects students in cases where judges have decided NOT to cut these funds, usurping the role of the courts and virtually guarantees that the law is only applied in cases where it is NOT appropriate.
3) It primarily hurts the poor - wealthier students are less likely to be convicted of drug offenses, and can attend college even without the federal aid if necessary.
4) Drug convictions fall disproportionately on racial minorities, and this law transfers that well documented discrimination into educational access and the chance for a better future.
5) The 'Drug Provision' has resulted in absolutely no measurable reduction in drug use among any segment of the population.
So far, hundreds of thousands of students have been denied an education so that the Bush administration can score political points with their conservative base.
Please sign the petition, and pass it on.
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