After a lengthy debate, Ohio University's Student Senate formally endorsed a new marijuana protocol that may take effect next quarter.
The senate passed a resolution endorsing marijuana Protocol B after a 26-11 vote. The protocol approaches marijuana and alcohol offenses as separate cases and calls for a separate counseling program for alcohol and drug offenders. Protocol A groups these offenses into one category and requires violators to attend the same counseling program, regardless of the offense.
The resolution was drafted supporting the protocol to keep with the philosophy of educational discipline said Chris Diehl, commissioner for Academic Affairs and one of the sponsors of the resolution, adding that the student code of conduct is based on this philosophy.
Only after we've extended all of our educational options do we suspend a student
he said.
Diehl went on to explain that alcohol and marijuana offenses are different, and the approaches for dealing with these offenses should be different as well, something that the other sponsors agreed with.
Not everyone supported the resolution, citing forums held this weekend that showed Resident Life staff members were not in favor of the protocol. Five members of Residence Life staff attended the forums, held last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said- said Chauncey Jackson, senator for South Green, adding that he was utterly disappointed in the senate's decision to endorse the protocol.
Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, approached the senate at last week's meeting with both marijuana protocols and asked for their endorsement on their preferred policy. While the senate will not have a final say on which policy is implemented, Smith said he would take their decision into consideration.
17
Archives
Jessica Holbrook
