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Drug-Free
Campus Information Policy Statement The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires Clark Atlanta University as an institution of higher education receiving federal funds to certify to the Secretary of Education that it has adopted and implemented an anti-drug and alcohol abuse program for its students and employees. Accordingly, the University adopts the following policy: Clark Atlanta University does not permit or condone the illicit or unauthorized possession, use, consumption, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs and/or alcohol by its students and employees on its property or as part of its activities. This policy applies to all full-time and part-time students; and all full-time and part-time permanent and temporary employees, including faculty, administration, all exempt and non-exempt staff, and any student employees and interns. Students who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with local, state, and federal laws, and University policies and procedures which may include counseling, a reprimand and warning, disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral to the proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with local, state, and federal laws which may include counseling, mandatory participation in an appropriate rehabilitation program, a warning, placement on strict probation, unpaid suspension from employment, termination of employment and referral to the proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution. All disciplinary procedures and appeals presently applicable to students and all categories of employees will continue to be available for violation of this policy. The purpose of this policy is to produce a workplace and campus environment that discourages the unauthorized or illegal use of drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The following is information that is important for each student and employee to read and understand regarding the legal penalties and the health risks that are associated with alcohol and drug abuse. Applicable Laws Most people know that selling illicit drugs is a criminal offense punishable by a fine or imprisonment depending on the specific offense and other factors such as prior convictions for similar offenses. Most people also know that driving while intoxicated is against the law and can result in driver's license revocation or even imprisonment, in some cases. It is less well known that an individual under the age of 21 could be arrested and put in jail for purchasing, or even attempting to purchase alcohol. The following is a brief overview of local, state, and federal laws governing the possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or definitive statement of various laws, but rather is designed to indicate the types of conduct that are against the law and the range of legal sanctions that can be imposed for such conduct. Alcohol
Laws Georgia Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. All states prohibit persons from selling or giving any alcoholic beverage to a minor (defined in Georgia as under age 21) or to a person who is already intoxicated. It is also an offense in Georgia punishable by fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 5 days, to misrepresent the age of a minor for the purpose of inducing the sale of an alcoholic beverage. Any minor who uses false identification or the identification of another person to purchase an alcoholic beverage can be convicted and fined up to $100 and/or sentenced to probation for up to one year. In addition, a minor can be arrested and fined up to $50 for possessing an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it. Georgia Vehicle and Traffic Law All states prohibit drinking and driving. In Georgia, it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $350 and/or imprisonment for up to one year (as well as suspension and/or revocation of your driver's license) to operate a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content of one-tenth of one percent or higher. Multiple convictions can result in more serious penalties. Legal Sanctions Under Georgia Law Concerning Drugs and Alcohol Georgia statutes cover a wide range of drug offenses including the offer, sale, possession with intent to sell, and the mere possession of various types of drugs [O.C.G.A 16-13-30, 16-13-31, 16-13-32.4, (1990)]. The state laws create the following mandatory/minimum prison sentences for first-time offenders: Two (2) years for the purchase, possession, or control of any controlled substance. Five (5) years for the manufacture, delivery, distribution, dispensing, administering, sale, or possession with intent to distribute any controlled substance. One (1) year for the purchase, possession, or control of a drug or other substance that has a low to moderate potential for abuse, low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. The state laws create the following mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines for trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, or marijuana. Ten (10) years and a fine of $200,000 for sale, manufacture, delivery or bringing into the state 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, of cocaine, including "crack". Five (5) years and fine of $50,000 for the sale, manufacturer, delivery or bringing into the state, or possession of four (4) grams or more of any morphine or opium, including heroin. Five (5) years and a fine of $100,000 for the sale, manufacture, growth, delivery, or bringing into the state, or possession of 50 pounds or more, but less than 2,000 pounds of marijuana. Convictions for drug related offenses involving minors or in the proximity of elementary or secondary schools or school boards used for elementary or secondary education shall carry the following mandatory sentences in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed for violation of the statutes which prohibit the distribution, sale, and possession with intent to sell controlled substances or marijuana: No person shall allow or require a person in his employment under 18 years of age to dispense, serve, sell or take orders for any alcoholic beverages. It is unlawful for a person to furnish, sell, barter, or exchange alcoholic beverages to a person who is noticeably intoxicated. No person shall allow or require a person in his employment under 18 years of age to dispense, serve, sell or take orders for any alcoholic beverages. Fine of not less than $300.00 nor more than $1000 and not less than ten (10) days nor more than one (1) year imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for first-time offenders. An alcohol concentration of 0.10 grams or more denotes a presumption that a person is under the influence of alcohol. An alcohol concentration of 0.12 grams at a time or within three (3) hours after, during, or being in actual physical control of a moving vehicle is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not more than twenty (20) years, or a fine of not more than $20,000 or both for the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance or marijuana in, on, or within 1000 feet of any real property owned or leased to, any public or private elementary, secondary school, or school board used for elementary or secondary education. Actual sentences depend upon the severity and the circumstances of the offenses and the character and background of the offender. Georgia law prohibits the sale, delivery, giving or taking of alcohol to or from minors or intoxicated persons. [O.C.G.A. 3-3-23, 3-3-23.1, 3-3-22, 3-3-24]. Georgia law also prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. [O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, 40-6-392]. Georgia statutes create the following mandatory minimum fines and sanctions for first time offenders: Not more than 30 days imprisonment, or a fine of not more than $300.00 or both upon the first conviction of furnishing to purchasing of, or possessing alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age. Federal Law Federal drug laws parallel Georgia's drug laws in many respects. For example, it is a federal offense to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, a controlled substance or a counterfeit controlled substance. As under the Georgia Penal Code, any property associated with the unlawful handling of controlled substance may be forfeited to the authorities. Federal law also provides that a person age 18 or older who distributes a controlled substance to a person 21 years of age may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment and/or fine of up to twice the amount authorized for distribution to a person over the age of 21. An important sanction under federal law is that persons convicted of any federal or state offense involving possession of a controlled substance are ineligible to receive any or all federal benefits (e.g., social security, student loans) for up to one year. If the offense involves distribution of a controlled substance, the guilty person could be ineligible for any or all federal benefits for up to 5 years. There are both federal and state laws specifically dealing with the distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances in or near schools or colleges. For example, federal law provides that a drug offense committed within 1000 feet of school property, including universities, is punishable by a term of imprisonment and a fine of up to twice the amount authorized for the same offense committed away from school property. Health Risks Drugs and alcohol are toxic to the human body and if abused can have catastrophic health consequences. Some drugs, such as crack, are so toxic that even one experimental use can be fatal. The following is a summary of the various health risks associated with alcohol abuse and use of specific types of drugs; it is not intended to be an exhaustive or final statement of all possible health consequences of substance abuse. Alcohol Use and Abuse Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug in the United States. Alcohol consumption has acute effects on the body and causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidents of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse, as well as dangerous risk-taking behavior. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol can be fatal. Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the number one cause of death among people ages 15 through 24. Furthermore, approximately fifty percent (50%) of all youthful deaths from drowning, fires, suicide, and homicide are alcohol-related. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Dependent persons who suddenly stop drinking are likely to suffer withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organ such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents have an increased risk themselves of becoming alcoholics. Use of Illicit Drugs Drugs interfere with the brain's ability to take in, sort, and synthesize information. They distort perception, which can lead users to harm themselves or others. Drugs use also affects sensation and impairs memory. In addition to these general effects, specific health risks associated with particular types of drugs are discussed below. Cocaine/Crack Cocaine use is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. One reason for this is the ready availability of cocaine in a cheap but potent form called "crack" or "rock". Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use can ulcerate the mucosmembrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with contaminated equipment can cause AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Preparation of freebase, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependence, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly and leads to higher and higher doses to produce the desired effect. "Crack" or freebase rock is a purified form of cocaine that is smoked. "Crack" is far more addictive than heroin or barbiturates. Repeated use of "crack" can lead to addiction within a few days. Once addicted, many users have turned to stealing, prostitution, and drug dealing in order to support their habit. The effects of crack are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. Continued use can produce violent behavior and psychotic states similar to schizophrenia. Cocaine, in any form, but particularly in the purified form known as "crack", can cause sudden death from cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Marijuana Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke Long-term users of marijuana may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives. Narcotics Narcotics such as heroin, codeine, and morphine initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The use of contaminated syringes may result in diseases such as AIDS, endocarditis, and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Amphetamines/Other Stimulants Amphetamines (speed, uppers), methaamphetamines, and other stimulants can cause increase heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure. In addition to physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody. Higher doses intensify the effects. Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucination, delusions and paranoia. Barbiturates/Other Depressants Barbiturates (downers), methaqualone (Quaaludes), tranquilizers (valium), and other depressants have many of the same effects as alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering, and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depressants, coma, and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they develop withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, to convulsions and death. Babies born to mother who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems may also result. Hallucinogens Phencyclidine (PCP, Angel Dust) interrupts the functions of the part of the brain that controls the intellect and instincts. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries. The effects of PCP are unpredictable and can vary, but users frequently report a sense of distance and estrangement. This and body movement are slowed down. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled. Speech is blocked and incoherent. Chronic users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Mood disorders also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, as well as heart and lung failure. Lysergic Acid (LSD, Acid), mescaline, and psilocybin (mushrooms) cause illusions and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors. Sensations and feelings may change rapidly. It is common to have a bad psychological reaction to LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects or flashbacks can occur even after use has ceased. Designer Drugs "Designer Drugs" are produced by underground chemists who attempt to avoid legal definitions of controlled substances by altering their molecular structure. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. Some designer drugs have been known to cause permanent brain damage with a single dose. Many so-called designer drugs are related to amphetamines and have mild stimulant properties but are mostly euphoriants. They can cause nausea, blurred vision, chills, or sweating and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia. As little as on dose can cause severe neurochemical brain damage. Narcotic designer drugs can cause symptoms such as those in Parkinson's disease: uncontrolled tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Inhalants The immediate negative effects of inhalants (laughing gas, whippets) include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvent and aerosol sprays also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage. Deeply inhaling the vapors, or using large amount over a short time, may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs, or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops. Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can damage the nervous system permanently. Anabolic Steroids Steroid users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects ranging in severe liver cancer to acne and including psychological as well as physical reactions. The liver, cardiovascular and reproductive systems are affected most seriously by steroid use. In males, use can cause withered testicles, sterility, and impotence. In females, irreversible masculine traits can develop along with breast reduction and sterility. Physical effects in both sexes include jaundice, purple or red spots on the body, swelling of the feet or lower legs, trembling, unexplained darkening of the skin, and persistent unpleasant breath odor. Psychological effects in both sexes include very aggressive behavior known as "roid rage" and depression. While some side effects appear quickly, others, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not show up for years. Counseling The Clark Atlanta University Counseling Center provides professional help and referrals to students in resolving personal problems and concerns, included those associated with alcohol and substance abuse. The providers can be contacted at:
Other locally available sources for assistance and counseling include:
Some national hotlines providing service include:
The Cocaine Helpline is a round-the-clock information and referral service staffed by recovering cocaine addict counselors. The National Council on Alcoholism (NCA) provides referral services to families and individuals seeking help with an alcohol or other drug problem.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides a confidential information and referral line that directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment centers in the local community. Free materials on drug use are also distributed upon request.
The Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) refers concerned parents to parent groups in their state or local area, provides telephone consultation, and referrals to emergency health centers, and maintains a series of drug information tapes that callers can listen to at no charge after 5:00 p.m.
Statement of Disciplinary Sanctions Pursuant to the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Community Act In accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Clark Atlanta University has adopted the following standards of conduct:
Any student who violates the above standards of conduct will be subject to disciplinary sanctions according to the following guidelines: Unlawful possession of alcohol:
Unlawful use of alcohol:
Possession of elicit drugs:
Use of illicit drugs:
Gratuitous distribution of illicit drugs:
Sale of illicit drugs:
The actual sanction to be imposed will depend on the type and amount of unlawful substance and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. The above ranges of disciplinary sanctions apply to first offenses only and multiple offenses will result in more severe sanctions, including possible expulsion. The University may combine other sanctions (such as completion of rehabilitation program and/or community service) with those listed above. In addition to imposing appropriate sanctions, the University may notify local and federal authorities when criminal activity has occurred. The disciplinary procedures for resolving alleged violations of these standards of conduct and the rights of students subject to discipline will be governed by the Code of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook and General University Regulations as adopted or amended by the University from time to time. Zero Tolerance Weapons Policy Clark Atlanta University has a "Zero Tolerance" Weapons Policy. This policy is strictly enforced and all violators prosecuted. Unless properly authorized, no one is allowed to posses and/or use a weapon on University property or at University-sponsored activities. Any person who has the appropriate permit/license to carry arms, but is not gainfully employed as a law enforcement official acting in an active capacity, will be in violation of University policy related to the same. According to GA Code 16-11-127.1.a.2 "weapon" means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel missile of any kind or nay dirk, bowie knife, switch blade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of three or more inches, straight-edged razor, spring stick, metal knuckles, blackjack or any flailing instrument consisting in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nunchahka, nunchuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind, and any stun gun or laser as designated in subsection (a) of Code Section 16-11-106. |
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