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Should a student caught with alcohol on the University of Texas campus get a lighter punishment than someone caught with marijuana? That's the question students at the campus here are deciding in a nonbinding referendum to reduce campus penalties for those caught with the illegal drug.
"I think overall society should change and society should reanalyze their position on marijuana," said Judie Niskala, the campus coordinator of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER).
"If nothing else, this will spark conversations that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. The main goal is to bring more attention to this issue."
Niskala, a UT graduate student, teamed with other students and gathered 1,400 signatures to get Referendum 2 on the UT ballot this semester.
Students caught with marijuana can be suspended from classes and dormitory residents can be evicted. Students caught with alcohol do not face those sanctions, according to school rules.
The voting, being conducted online, began Tuesday and continues through today. Results will be announced tonight.
Architectural engineering senior Kyle Barton said he believes an illegal drug should have graver consequences.
"I've got friends that use marijuana, but it never stops there," Barton said. "I think it is OK to use alcohol because adults do, but when you get in the realm of drug use there should be consequences."
Bob Harkins, associate vice president for campus safety and security at UT, said officials will look at the legality of the referendum if students approve it.
The referendum is nonbinding and the board of regents sets the disciplinary policy for marijuana possession, above and beyond the penalties attached to state or local laws. The board would have to approve any changes.
UT board of regents spokesman Michael Warden would not comment on the referendum.
Supporters of the initiative point to the alcohol poisoning death in December of UT student Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath and the hospital treatment of a student suffering from alcohol poisoning last month.
SAFER lawyer Ann Del Llano argued that there has never been a death from an overdose of marijuana. Llano said Phoummarath died during a drinking game that his fraternity made the freshman play. She said if they had played the game with marijuana, he would be alive today.
"At UT, a student can be suspended from class for possession of marijuana, but not for alcohol," Del Llano said. "Alcohol is illegal for most students here because they are under the legal drinking age."
While Del Llano said she doesn't encourage students to smoke marijuana, SAFER "just wants to bring an expression of student opinion to the administration."
The UT chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas does not support the referendum.
"We don't agree with anything that would sidestep a law. We don't want the university to pseudo-condone the use of marijuana," said Ben Fizzell, chairman of the UT chapter. "All the medical points are valid, but we are a society that operates on a rule of law and we need to respect the law."
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Author: Lomi Kriel, Express-News Austin Bureau
Published: March 01, 2006
Copyright: 206 San Antonio Express-News
Contact: letters@express-news.net
Website: MySA.com: San Antonio's Homepage From The Express-News and KENS 5
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"I think overall society should change and society should reanalyze their position on marijuana," said Judie Niskala, the campus coordinator of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER).
"If nothing else, this will spark conversations that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. The main goal is to bring more attention to this issue."
Niskala, a UT graduate student, teamed with other students and gathered 1,400 signatures to get Referendum 2 on the UT ballot this semester.
Students caught with marijuana can be suspended from classes and dormitory residents can be evicted. Students caught with alcohol do not face those sanctions, according to school rules.
The voting, being conducted online, began Tuesday and continues through today. Results will be announced tonight.
Architectural engineering senior Kyle Barton said he believes an illegal drug should have graver consequences.
"I've got friends that use marijuana, but it never stops there," Barton said. "I think it is OK to use alcohol because adults do, but when you get in the realm of drug use there should be consequences."
Bob Harkins, associate vice president for campus safety and security at UT, said officials will look at the legality of the referendum if students approve it.
The referendum is nonbinding and the board of regents sets the disciplinary policy for marijuana possession, above and beyond the penalties attached to state or local laws. The board would have to approve any changes.
UT board of regents spokesman Michael Warden would not comment on the referendum.
Supporters of the initiative point to the alcohol poisoning death in December of UT student Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath and the hospital treatment of a student suffering from alcohol poisoning last month.
SAFER lawyer Ann Del Llano argued that there has never been a death from an overdose of marijuana. Llano said Phoummarath died during a drinking game that his fraternity made the freshman play. She said if they had played the game with marijuana, he would be alive today.
"At UT, a student can be suspended from class for possession of marijuana, but not for alcohol," Del Llano said. "Alcohol is illegal for most students here because they are under the legal drinking age."
While Del Llano said she doesn't encourage students to smoke marijuana, SAFER "just wants to bring an expression of student opinion to the administration."
The UT chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas does not support the referendum.
"We don't agree with anything that would sidestep a law. We don't want the university to pseudo-condone the use of marijuana," said Ben Fizzell, chairman of the UT chapter. "All the medical points are valid, but we are a society that operates on a rule of law and we need to respect the law."
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Author: Lomi Kriel, Express-News Austin Bureau
Published: March 01, 2006
Copyright: 206 San Antonio Express-News
Contact: letters@express-news.net
Website: MySA.com: San Antonio's Homepage From The Express-News and KENS 5
Related Articles & Web Site:
Safer Choice
SAFER - Home
UT Group Fights Pot Penalty
cannabisnews.com: UT Group Fights Pot Penalty
Lighter Marijuana Punishments Sought
cannabisnews.com: Lighter Marijuana Punishments Sought
