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News

Groups to fight drug laws restricting aid

Cougar News Services

The American Civil Liberties Union and one of the largest student organizations in the country are looking for students to participate in a lawsuit challenging the law that denies federal financial aid to students convicted of drug offenses.

"Congress has failed to listen to the growing chorus of student voices demanding repeal of this discriminatory and counterproductive law," Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Scarlett Swerdlow said in a release. "Far too many students have had their education held hostage by drug war politics."

Since taking effect in 2000, more than 175,000 students who have been convicted of drug offenses ranging from possession of marijuana to possession of a controlled substance with intention to distribute have been denied federal aid.

For more information on how to get involved with the ACLU and the SSDP's movement against the Higher Education Act's drug provision, call (866) 443-2349.
 

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