Drug-free Community Policy

Indiana University Kokomo is dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by members of the campus community jeopardizes the safety of the individual and the community, and is contrary to the academic learning process. Indiana University Kokomo is, therefore, committed to having a campus that is free of the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs. In keeping with this commitment it is the policy of the university that the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs is prohibited on university property or as part of the university activities.
In order to inform all university students of their responsibilities as set forth in the Drug-Free schools and Campuses Act Amendments of 1989, the following information is provided: The Indiana University Kokomo rules of conduct prohibit the unauthorized use, possession or distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug. Disciplinary sanctions the university may impose for violations of the university drug and alcohol policies include dismissal, suspension, probation, restitution, suspension and forfeiture of financial assistance. Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and the university for acts that constitute violations of law and university policy. Disciplinary action at the university will normally proceed during the pending of criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

Applicable legal sanctions under federal, federal, state and local law states that it is unlawful to possess a controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, heroin, designer drugs, etc. (Federal Law Title 21 USC, Sections 841, 844, 845). The penalty for simple possession of such substances is a fine and/or imprisonment. The penalties increase if the possession includes intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance, especially if it is near a public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school or a public or private college or university. Violators of this law may also be subject to civil penalties. It is a violation of Indiana state law for anyone under the age of 21 to use or possess alcoholic beverages or to misrepresent their age for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages. It is also unlawful for someone over the age of 21 to make alcoholic beverages available to someone under 21. Sanctions for the violation of this law may include a fine and/or imprisonment. Additionally, it is a violation of Indiana state law for anyone to use, possess, manufacture, distribute or dispense controlled substances (Ind. Code Sec. 35-48-4-1 et seq.). Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment. Again, penalties increase if such activities take place near public parks, housing projects, or schools.

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is now recognized as the number one public health problem in the United States. Approximately 30 percent of all admissions to general hospitals and 50 percent to psychiatric hospitals have detectable substance abuse. Substance abuse accounts for approximately 150,000 deaths annually. This includes death from stroke, diseases of the heart and liver and all drug and alcohol related suicides, homicides and accidents. The abuse of substances also increases risk of ulcers, birth defects and a diminished immune system.

Studies of college students have also found a correlation between the use of alcohol and other drugs and an increased risk of violent and irresponsible behavior and academic failure.