Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments 1989 Policy

Alcohol

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Impotence and infertility; high blood pressure; heart attacks; strokes; cirrhosis of the liver; cancer of the liver, stomach, esophagus or larynx; stomach ulcers; colitis; fetal alcohol syndrome; premature aging; birth defects; slowed reaction; slurred speech; unconsciousness.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Purchase under 21: Maximum fine of $1,000.
  • Possess or consume under 21: Maximum fine of $100.
  • Open container violation: Maximum fine of $1,000.
  • Consumption in a motor vehicle: Maximum confinement of 30 days.

Marijuana

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Chronic lung cancer, brain damage, high blood pressure, diminished immunity, premature aging, impairment of memory, diminished motor skills, birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, mood swings, loss of ambition, increased apathy, decline in school and work performance.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Unlawful possession of use: Maximum penalties, depending on amount, may result in fine of $5,000 and/or maximum confinement of 10 years.
  • Sell, offer to sell or distribute for sale: Maximum fine of $7,500 and/or maximum confinement of 25 years.

Narcotics: Cocaine, Crack Cocaine

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Seizures, stroke, cardiac or respiratory arrest, convulsions, delirium and paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nasal problems, powerful addiction, disorientation.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial years of confinement and fines.
  • Sell, offer to sell and distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment.

Narcotics: Heroin, Opium, Morphine

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Cardiac arrest, vein inflammation, insomnia, serum hepatitis, convulsions, skin abscesses, death, physical dependence, difficulty breathing, nausea, constricted pupils, panic.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial years of confinement and fines.
  • Sell, offer to sell and distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment.

Narcotics: Other Controlled Substances (LSD, PCP)

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Hallucinations, distortion of senses, memory loss, disruption of motor skills, permanent cognitive damage, bizarre behavior, severe disorientation.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial years of confinement and fines.
  • Sell, offer to sell and distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substances, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment.

Narcotics: Depressants (Barbiturates and Tranquilizers)

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Death, coma, altered perception, physical dependence, dangerous withdrawal symptoms, staggered walk, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, psychological dependence.

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

  • Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial years of confinement and fines.
  • Sell, offer to sell and distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment.

Note: Distribution of controlled substances in or near schools and colleges can result in penalties twice the regular for the same offense. Trafficking in drugs can result in forfeiture of property including motor vehicles, vessels, money, real property and other personal property.

College Sanctions

Students – The unlawful use, possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of drugs and alcohol subjects any student discipline pursuant to established College procedures and to sanctions up to and including suspension or dismissal from the College. Any student violating this policy or otherwise engaging in illegal conduct will also be referred for criminal prosecution.

College employees – Under the influence, possession or use, furnishing to a minor: Sanctions up to and including termination. Any employee engaging in the illegal use, possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of drugs and alcohol will be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual with sanctions up to and including termination from the College.

Support and Resources

Twelve Step programs are self-help groups based on the spiritual concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous. They are often used as inpatient and outpatient treatment aftercare.

Some Twelve Step Programs Available

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics                    
  • Alcoholics Anonymous 
  • Co-dependency Anonymous 
  • Cocaine Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • Overeater Anonymous

These local information and referral agencies can give you information about assessment, treatment and support resources:

  • Alcohol and Drug Assistance - 330-453-8811
  • Crisis Intervention Center - 330-452-6000 or 1-800-956-6630
  • Stark State College Security Department
  • Interfaith Campus Ministry
  • Stark State College counseling services - 330-494-6170 ext. 4219
  • Quest Recovery and Prevention Services - 330-453-8252

Stark State Concealed Weapons Policy

The use, possession or carrying of a handgun or other weapon by any person who is not a professional law enforcement officer on College property is prohibited and in violation of state law. In summary, the Stark State College concealed weapons policy states (as of March 21, 2017):

  • Except as provided in the paragraph below, the use, possession or carrying of a firearm or other weapon on property owned or leased by the College, by any person other than a College security officer or qualified law enforcement officer as defined in Section 2901.01(A)(11) of the Ohio Revised Code, is prohibited and in violation of State Law.
  • Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.126 (B)(5), any person licensed to carry a concealed handgun may have a handgun on property owned or leased by the College ONLY if it is in a locked motor vehicle or the licensee is in the immediate process of placing the handgun in a locked motor vehicle.

To view the College’s official concealed weapons policy in its entirety, visit starkstate.edu/policies and click the Complete P & P link.