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SA works toward drug amnesty program

Devon Stewart, a member from Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, spoke to the Student Association at Monday night’s meeting about extending Syracuse University’s medical amnesty program. The medical amnesty policy gives students the opportunity to call for help during drug- or alcohol-related emergencies without worrying about the penalties that could ensue. SU currently has a medical amnesty policy that covers alcohol-related situations, but SA is working with the administration for the program to cover all illegal substances. Assembly members asked Stewart, a senior film major, and Neal Casey, chair of the Student Life Committee, questions regarding the policy. ‘We’re looking forward to collaborating with the administration. We have support from all areas we need,’ Casey said. Some members expressed concern that the policy will promote alcohol and drug use and abuse of the policy. They were also concerned that responding officers may still interrogate students who call for help. But the goal of the amnesty policy is to prevent students from losing their lives when someone is afraid to call for help, not to promote drugs and alcohol, Stewart said. ‘We’re not trying to give anyone a free ride,’ Stewart said. ‘We’re not trying to promote anything. … We’re concerned at making sure the student has met with counselors.’ Although the policy gives amnesty to students who call, amnesty is not granted to hosts who provide alcohol to minors, Stewart said. Cases in which students have repeated offenses will also be further examined in order to discuss how the student can get help. There is no stopping an officer from questioning the caller, but SA and Students for a Sensible Drug Policy are primarily concerned with getting students the help they need, Casey said. SA hopes the policy will be finalized by the end of February, Casey said at last week’s meeting. After the discussion on the medical amnesty program, six SA candidates ran for the Finance Board’s seven open positions. Only three of the six candidates were elected to the board: Martin-Abdul Davis, a sophomore finance major; Lauren Miller, an undeclared freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Casey, a sophomore accounting and finance major. Bridget Schultz, a senior public relations major, and Erica Zimmerman, a freshman in Arts and Sciences, were elected as assembly representative. Other orders of business: – Vice President Angelo Coker announced The Non-Traditional Students Commission will have its first of six meetings on Feb. 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Schine Student Center, Room 228B. The commission will meet with non-traditional students to discuss their concerns. – Jon Barnhart announced there will be a Day of Dialogue at the Office of Residence Life Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students to discuss social issues on campus. lgleveil@syr.edu





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