Support restoring financial aid to people with marijuana convictions

The federal government's policy of denying financial aid to students with marijuana convictions has slammed shut the door to higher education for many Rhode Island residents. Numerous federal politicians—including presidents—have admitted to using marijuana, but federal policy hypocritically denies today's youth the opportunity to overcome their past mistakes. But Rep. Joseph Almeida (D-Providence) and two other legislators have introduced a bill—H.B. 6134—that would make sure that students have an opportunity to attend college.

If H.B. 6134 passes, students who were denied student aid based on the federal drug provision would be able to get an identical amount of financial aid from the state. The bill would also be retroactive; thus, it would apply to students who were denied federal aid since 2000 for marijuana convictions. Please urge your legislators to support this bill by clicking here.

After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically e-mail your letter to your legislators … all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes, but it makes a world of difference. Also, you can print the letters and send them to your legislators through regular mail.

Or, if you prefer to call your legislators, you can click here to find their names and numbers. Visit www.RaiseYourVoice.com to learn more about the drug provision, and the student-led coalition to repeal it.

There is already strong support in Rhode Island's university community for reinstating financial aid. The University of Rhode Island (URI) Faculty and Student Senates, the Brown University Undergraduate Council of Students, and University of Rhode Island President Robert Carothers have all called on Congress to reinstate financial aid to students trying to turn their lives around.

Please pass this message along to friends, family, neighbors, and e-mail lists so that others can stand up for reform in Rhode Island.