Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989

On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed into law the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. These Amendments require institutions of higher education receiving benefits from the Department of Education to notify each student and employee annually of its drug and alcohol policies. Since the university has permission to offer federal student grants and loans to students, the following information is provided as an educational program.

Because Union is committed to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for all students, the University prohibits the use of alcohol and illicit drugs by members of its community. As with all policies of the university, the position taken by the university on this issue is done so with the welfare of each individual and the welfare of the university community as its primary concern. As always, 51社区 expects the highest standards of moral conduct to be exhibited by all members of the university community.

The penalties imposed on students for violation of the university's Alcohol and Drug Use Policy by students are detailed in the Campus Life Handbook. In addition to sanctions imposed by the university, a student may be subject to regulations of civil authorities. Various local, state and federal regulation prohibit the illegal use, possession and distribution of illicit drugs. Per federal requirements, the Tennessee state sanctions for controlled substances and illegal drugs are listed at the bottom of this page.

Students who may be facing a drug or alcohol addiction can receive free assistance and counseling from the university. There will be no discipline consequences for those who seek help (see Campus Life Handbook, page 24, "Seeking to Change"). Those needing help with a possible drug or alcohol addiction should contact Tamarin Huelin, Director of Counseling Services at 731.661.5923, thuelin@uu.edu.

Tennessee Drug Penalties

Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 39-17-401/450
Controlled Substances & Illegal Drugs
Drug & Quantity Range of First Offense
- Trafficking:
  - Narcotics Any 15-25 years; $50,000 (Max.)
  - Non-narcotics Any 1-6 years; $3,000
  - LSD-Phencyclidine Any 15-25 years; $50,000 (Max.)
  - Marijuana <1\2 oz 11months 29 days; $2,500
  - Marijuana >1\2 oz-10 lbs. 1-6 years; $5,000
  - Marijuana >10 lbs. 2-12 years; $50,000 (Max.)
  - Hashish Any 1-12 years; $50,000 (Max.)
  - Marijuana cultivation 1-12 years; $50,000 (Max.)
- Possessing:
  - Narcotics Any 1-13.5 years; $3000-$50,000
  - Non-narcotics Any 1-6 years; $3000
  - Marijuana <1\2 oz. 90 days; $2,500
  - LSD/Phencyclidine Any 7-30 years; $25,000

TCA 39-17-418 (b): It is an offense for a person to distribute a small amount of marijuana not in excess of one-half (1\2) ounce (14.174 grams). A violation of subsection (b) where there is casual exchange to a minor from an adult who is at least two (2) years such minor's senior, and knows that such person is a minor, is punished as a felony as provided in TCA 39-17-417.

TCA 39-17-432 (i): A violation of subsection (a) with respect to a controlled substance, or conspiracy to violate subsection (a) with respect to amounts stated in the statute, is a Class B felony and, in addition thereto, may be fined not more than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000). A violation of this section or a conspiracy to violate this section where the recipient or the intended recipient of the controlled substance is under eighteen (18) years of age shall be punished one (1) classification higher than provided in this statute.

TCA 57-3-412 (5) (A): It is unlawful for any person who is younger than twenty-one (21) years of age to purchase or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage.

TCA 57-3-412 (5) (C) (2): If the person violating this subsection is eighteen (18) years of age or older but less than twenty-one (21) years of age, that person shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) or by imprisonment in the county jail or workhouse for not less than five (5) days nor more than thirty (30) days.