The U.S. House of Representative is considering abandoning an 11-year-old law that forbig colleges students convicted of illegal drug possession from getting federal financial aid, according to this report from McClatchy Newspapers. Those convicted of selling illegal drugs would continue to be barred from getting federal financial aid, according to the story. What do you think of this? Curious to hear your thoughts. An excerpt from the story:
The bill, which a House of Representatives committee approved recently and which the full House probably will consider after its August recess, says that those convicted of selling illegal drugs still would be barred from receiving federal financial aid.
However, students convicted of possession would be able to get loans, grants and work-study assistance.
"People who have been convicted of a drug crime are punished through our criminal justice system, which is entirely proper," said Melissa Salmanowitz, a spokeswoman for the Education and Labor Committee.
"Doubling a person's punishment - outside of our criminal justice system - by not allowing them needed financial aid to obtain a college degree is not only wrong, it's double jeopardy."
Kelly Puente joined the Press-Telegram in 2006 as an editorial assistant and eventually worked her way up to general assignement reporter. Over the years, she’s covered everything from crime and breaking news to human interest and the cities of Bellflower and Cerritos. Kelly is a Long Beach resident and graduate of Cal State Long Beach. She’s new to the education beat and is looking for great stories.
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