A law went into effect in the fall of 2000 which denies college students convicted of drug offenses financial aid.

In the past year, 8,162 students across the country were denied federal aid, according to the Coalition for Higher Education Act.

“We haven?t had too much of a problem with the new law here at Sac State,” said Linda Clemons, financial aid director. “Nobody on this campus was denied aid last year. If a student has been denied, they can go to rehabilitation for treatment and apply again. However, it only applies if you have less than two convictions. Any more than two [illegal drug convictions] will completely deny the student aid.”

The law was established through Federal Congress. The legislation, introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) with 30 cosponsors, has garnered the support of more than 70 university student government associations and national education, student, drug policy reform, religious, women?s and civil rights groups. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid application for the 2000-2001 academic year asked students in question 28, “Have you ever been convicted of possession or selling illegal drugs?”

If students have been convicted, they are advised to complete the FAFSA, mail it and they will still receive a worksheet returned. However, they will be denied aid.

With this law in effect, a student convicted of illegal drug use would be disqualified from grants, loans and any federal scholarship awards.

More than 750,000 financial aid applicants nationwide left the drug question blank on the FAFSA last year and are receiving aid. Under new regulations, applicants who refuse to answer the question will not receive any assistance.

Members of Congress and representatives from national education, student and drug reform groups recently announced the reintroduction of legislation to repeal a provision of the 1998 Higher Education Act that denies financial aid to students convicted of drug related offense under state or federal law.