In response to former President George H. W. Bush's national drug control strategy, Congress passed legislation to require schools, colleges, and universities to implement and enforce drug prevention programs and policies as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance.
On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Amendments) Public Law 101-226. Section 22 of the Amendments amends provisions for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program after Oct. 1, 1990, a university or college must submit certification that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program. Therefore, Oklahoma City University (OKCU) is required to provide at a minimum:
An annual distribution in writing to each student [1] of the following:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees and students on its property or as part of its activities;
- A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
- A description of health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
- A description of available drug or alcohol resources such as counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or re-entry programs;
- A clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions that OKCU will impose on students and employees[1].
A biennial review by the University of its program to:
- Determine the effectiveness, implement needed changes, and
- Ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
[1] This text addresses policies and procedures applicable to Okla`homa City University Students. Policies prohibiting drug and alcohol use for current employees are in the University Staff Handbook (Sections 7.01, 7.02).
