The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Student drug testing approved

Athletes led the way in consenting to drug testing, and now all students will be subject to the same.

According to a Sept. 10 press release, SMU may now test students for the presence of illegal drugs.

James E. Caswell, vice president for Student Affairs, said the intent of the sanction is to send a clear message that illegal drug use or possession will not be tolerated by the university.

Statistics released by the SMU Police Department for 2001 show an increase in the number of drug abuse violations judicial referrals and drug violations in residence halls.

“We’ve noticed an increase of marijuana use within the halls,” said Eddie Hull, director of Residence Life and Student Housing.

The Student Code of Conduct states that a person may be subject to disciplinary proceedings in the university judicial system without regard to any proceedings in local, state or federal courts. If a person is found guilty through the student judicial process for violating university policy regarding illegal drug use or possession, the student may be asked to undergo testing for the presence of drugs. A positive test will result in suspension from SMU.

Currently, depending on the case, students can be suspended the first time they are found to have violated the campus policy on drugs.

“It’s a good statement by the administration demonstrating that that they are committed to helping their students get back on the right track,” said Student Body President Dustin Odham

This punishment is in addition to the list of other sanctions, which include drug counseling, fines, parental notification and deferred suspension.

Other schools, including Wake Forest University, Vanderbilt University, Baylor University and TCU, have adopted the same or a similar policy, Caswell said.

Caswell said this new option will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Dr. Dee Siscoe, Dean of Student Affairs, was unavailable for comment.

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