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Purdue University student group is betting a possible referendum on
the upcoming student government elections could lead to changes in
residence hall marijuana policy. "What we want to do is make the penalties for marijuana the same as
alcohol in the dorms," said junior Sara Wislocki, president of the
campus NORML chapter. "Right now for alcohol it is three strikes and
you are out for alcohol but there is zero tolerance for marijuana. "We don't think you should get kicked out and become homeless on your first offense."
While
a 'three strikes' system is not detailed, Purdue residence hall
guidelines provide proportionate actions for students caught with
alcohol from referral to an alcohol education program, contacting a
guardian to termination of the housing contract.
Lisa Heinold,
university residences administrator for conduct, was unfamiliar with
the group's attempt to change the rules. She said if during an
investigative process a student is found responsible for having any
type of illegal drugs in their dorm they will face termination of
contract.
NORML -- National Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws -- mostly attempts to change laws around marijuana use.
For this effort, Purdue's NORML is working with Safer Alternative For
Enjoyable Recreation, a Denver group that says harsh marijuana
penalties push students toward using alcohol.
Tuesday Wislocki
presented more than 1,200 signatures to Purdue student body president
Eric Barnard in an effort to place a referendum question on the student
government election ballot for March 30, 31 and April 1.
The
question asks if Purdue should amend guidelines for residence halls so
that sanctions for marijuana possession and use are no greater than
those for alcohol possession and use.
Students can place
nonbinding referendums on the ballot if they gather signatures from
one-fiftieth of the student body, or at least 780 signatures.
Any policy change must first be approved by the dean of students.
"This won't have any direct effect on university policy," Barnard said. "That will be up to the administration."
Junior
Mike Baquiran, a NORML member, said the goal is to open dialogue with
the dean of students and director of housing and food services on the
issue.
"The vote is only there to illustrate the students'
opinion and their underlying need or desire for a policy change," he
said. "And that popular option should be enough to kick-start the
policymakers into thinking, 'Hey, we ought to listen to them.'"
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