VI. DRUG FREE POLICY

A. Policy

The East Arkansas Community College institutional Drug Free Policy (updated April 1, 1994) is as follows:

East Arkansas Community college will not condone the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance. Any employee or student violating this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including termination-expulsion. This College is committed to the maintenance of a drug/alcohol free workplace. The standard code of conduct for employees and students prohibits illegal drug/alcohol involvement on its property or as a part of any of its sponsored activities.

B. Implementation

All students of East Arkansas Community College will be provided a copy of this policy as part of their registration. This policy will be posted on every campus bulletin board utilized for employee and student information. Revisions/reviews of this policy and the drug prevention program will be made biennially or as required to determine its effectiveness and ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced. The Coordinator for Student Activities is charged with this action.

C. Specifics

1. Health Risks:  Different drugs have a variety of distinct, negative effects on the human body. These are broken down into the following major areas:

•  Physical:
  Suppression or acceleration of heart rate
  Suppression or acceleration of breathing
  Fainting/Unconsciousness
  Impaired vision
  Drug dependency passed to an unborn child
  Decreased oxygen circulation in the blood
  Lack of control of bodily functions
  Impaired coordination



•  Psychological:
  Depressed state of mind
  Impaired judgment and decision-making
  Memory lapses
  Distortion of time, space, and perception
  Severe anxiety, panic, and paranoia

These are but a few effects. The ultimate negative effect is DEATH! Drug overdoses, depressed suicide, automobile accidents and a host of other drug related deaths are in the thousands annually.

2. Public Intoxication:  A person who commits the offense of “Public Intoxication” if (1) he/she appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the degree that he/she is likely to endanger themselves or other persons or property, or that he/she unreasonably annoys persons in his/her vicinity, or (2) he/she consumes an alcoholic beverage in a public place.

3. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor:  A person commits the offense of “Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor” if, being an adult, he/she knowingly purchases or provides an alcoholic beverage for a minor.

4. Driving while intoxicated:  A person who drives a motorized vehicle while influenced or affected by the ingestion of alcohol, a controlled substance, or any intoxicant commits the offense of driving while intoxicated.

5. Possession, Manufacture or Delivery of Controlled Substance:  It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, or possess a controlled substance.

6. Legal Penalties and Sanction:  Local, State and Federal laws provide for a variety of penalties and sanctions that are based on the type and amount of drugs involved. Prior convictions are also taken into account. Local statue provides for a minimum of six (6) hours jail detention for the offense of DUI/DWI, even for passengers in the automobile. The range of penalties/sanctions is drastic in nature and will inevitably result in prison, fines up to $250,000 and even forfeiture of personal and real property.