Contrary to any other crime, convictions involving drugs can cost students their financial aid even after being released from jail or prison. Everything from mere traffic offenses to violent crimes like burglary or manslaughter are exempt. Only drugs will have consequences on your loan eligibility after serving your time.

It's time we stopped ruining the lives of students for drug crimes in an era where some of these illegal substances are being legalized in multiple states.

The legislation responsible for the restriction on federal student aid is 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Sec. 483 (f).

The men and women of Congress could bring opportunity to thousands of students by scratching a single paragraph from the law books.

Please aid me in alerting our Congress that we don't support taking education away from low-income students as a drugs-only additional punishment.