Vote locks at 3-3

As a result of a stalemate vote on Tuesday, the final decision on a proposal that would equalize university penalties for marijuana and alcohol offenses has been pushed back to spring 2009.

After a 3-3-1 vote, with one member absent, the Golden Rule Review Committee scheduled a new discussion and vote for January. The exact date has yet to be decided, but will be posted on the committee's Web site when it has been set.

There was a controversial vote Tuesday on whether UCF students caught smoking pot should face less punishment. Currently, suspensions are more severe for marijuana than for alcohol-related offenses. Tuesday, a student rules committee voted on whether to change that.

UCF communications major Oscar Ramirez wants to be a United States senator one day. He feels he should be able to enjoy a marijuana cigarette without losing his academic year.

A University of Central Florida committee has shot down a controversial rule change that could have eased the penalties for people caught smoking pot on campus -- at least for now.