Thank you for covering the growing concern over the drug provision of the Higher Education Act (“Federal bill may revoke FAFSA question asking about drug convictions,” April 6). The Daily article, however, gives the impression that the law is fairly benign. This is not the case.

According to the article, “there is no system in place to check whether applicants who answer ‘no’ [to the drug provision question on the financial aid application] are telling the truth.” Rather than neutralizing the law, this actually makes it even more ludicrous by punishing honest students trying to better their lives.

In addition, many students see the question on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and do not apply for aid, simply assuming they are ineligible. As recommended by the congressionally appointed Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, the only way to ensure that everyone has equal access to education is for Congress to remove this question from the form.

Brian Dolber

Outreach Coordinator

Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform