University of Virginia Library

IFC Adopts New Drug Policy

By Ira Steingold
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A new proposal aimed at curbing
illegal drug traffic, usage and possession
in fraternity houses was unanimously
accepted by the Committee on
Fraternities. This newly accepted
proposal will be entered in the booklet
Standards and Procedures for the
Operation of Fraternities under the
heading "Drug Policy and Procedures."

The unanimously accepted proposal
states that a house found guilty of
flagrant abuse of state or federal drug
laws will be subject to "the possibility of
withdrawal of recognition by the President of
the University."

A section of the proposal states that it is up
to the fraternity to use its own discretion in
allowing drug traffic to pervade the house in
accordance with the established state and
federal drug laws.

Any house accused of the established drug
laws will be brought before the Inter-Fraternity
Council who may impose penalties which may
include the withdrawal of recognition. Any
appeals will be forwarded to the Dean of
Students. He will then review the case and
assess the validity of the appeal. If the appeal is
struck down, the Dean may set the penalty to
be imposed.

The new drug policy begins "The
Committee on Fraternities, in accordance with
University policy, cannot and does not condone
the possession, usage or trafficking of illegal
drugs by fraternity members or their guests
within the limits of property owned or
operated by the fraternities themselves."

It also states, "fraternity members are
expected to have the discretion and sense of
responsibility to refrain from actions which are
contrary to state and federal law, regardless of
whether individuals agree with the law."