To the editor:

Dan Lambert’s comments to the Lawrence Journal-World on Aug. 31 (“Baker University president fears decline in college access”) were right on target. Higher education access is an important issue that Congress needs to treat more seriously.

Lambert was absolutely correct in saying that when Congress moves to reauthorize the Higher Education Act — which makes aid available to lower-income students — the emphasis will be on regulating colleges and universities instead of providing assistance to students.

One such barrier to higher education is the drug provision of the Higher Education Act, which denies financial aid to anyone convicted of a drug offense. Since it was enacted in 2000, over 150,000 student applicants have been rejected because of this provision.

Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is considering introducing legislation that will amend, but not repeal, this bad law. Lambert, other university employees and Kansas students should call on Sen. Brownback to fully repeal the drug provision and increase access to education. Without full repeal, thousands of students are again destined to be rejected for financial aid, likely ending their college career.

Christopher Mulligan,

Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform

Washington, D.C.