The Drug Policy Task Force met for the first time on May 9 to discuss the committee's vision for accomplishment next year.
"It was very productive, upbeat and positive. I felt encouraged by the participation and enthusiasm people brought to the meeting," said Chair of the Drug Policy Task Force Charles Ross, director of the counseling center.
Members of the task force include Ross, Director of Security Joe DiChristina, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Dennison Smith, Professor of Philosophy Norman Care, Dr. Judith Appleton, Director of Human Resources Ruth Spencer, college junior Jeff Kurzweil, college first-year Zachary Fried and college sophomore Pavel Dejesus.
The task force was created at the request of numerous people, including Residential Life and Counseling Center staff members after they received the Drug and Alcohol survey results from last year. They wanted the College to look at its policy and procedures concerning drugs and alcohol. The task force will participate in discussions and brainstorm ideas.
Dean of Student Life and Services Charlene Cole said that she sees the task force researching the present policies and procedures as well as health issues resulting from drug and alcohol abuse.
Cole-Newkirk said that she has never seen a campus with as many smokers as Oberlin. She said that she smoked when she attended Oberlin, and that she had to quit at her doctor's request. Cole-Newkirk said she wants students to be informed of the effects of drugs and alcohol.
Ross said that many campuses throughout the nation have task forces examining their drug and alcohol policies and procedures because of the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act.
The federal legislation was established a couple years ago, recomending a number of steps to be taken on campuses, including notifying each student of the health risks associated with drugs and alcohol and creating a counseling and rehabilitation center available to students and employees. The legislation also suggests that campuses make available to students a clear statement of the disciplinary action that would result if anyone violates the law.
"We need to have a committee on campus to review periodically if the college is complying with these standards," said Ross.
Kurzweil said President Nancy Dye nominated him to serve on the committee. He said, "My hope is to discuss and consider a combination of both educational approaches and policy regarding drug and alcohol use on campus."
According to Kurzweil, some of the issues about drugs and alcohol on campus are "what are the policies?" He said task force members feel that there are issues of clarity they will have to address throughout the year. Kurzweil said, "I am unwilling to see Oberlin turn into a hard-nosed stick-it-to the drinkers and drug users place. ... At the same time I see a problem with the drug and alcohol use on campus so far as we have developed a reputation of being casual with our drug and alcohol policy.
"We are trying to figure out, knowing Oberlin, what would be the best way for the administration, Res. Life and faculty and the student population to address the issue of drug and alcohol use on campus," said Kurzweiler.
Ross said the task force will meet every couple of weeks next year. He said that there will be meetings public to students. "We have no desire for secrecy," said Ross.
Copyright © 1996, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 124, Number 25; May 24, 1996
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