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To satisfy the requirements of the “Drug Free Schools and Communities Act”, the campuses and facilities of Dallas College are committed to creating an educational and work environment free from use or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol. The college prohibits the unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture, possession for purposes of distribution or sale of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or premises or at Dallas College sponsored activities.
Standards of Conducts - Students and Employees
Dallas College’s legal and local policy for students and employees are contained in the following sections of the Dallas College Board Policy Manual: FLBE(LOCAL), FLBE(LEGAL), FLBE(EXHIBIT), DHA(LOCAL), DHA(LEGAL), DHB(LOCAL), DHB(LEGAL), DH(LOCAL), DH(LEGAL), DI(LOCAL), DI(EXHIBIT), FLB(LOCAL), DM(REGULATION). Any student or employee who violates Dallas College drug and alcohol policy is subject to all applicable Dallas College disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Dallas College Board Policy Manual. The College will impose sanctions against individuals who are determined to have violated rules prohibiting the use, manufacturing, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol. Individuals may be immediately removed from the College property. Sanctions for individuals using, manufacturing, or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol may include disciplinary probation and in appropriate cases, suspension or expulsion from the College or in the case of employees, discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Parents or legal guardian of underage students may be notified. Individuals involved in the sale and/or manufacturing of illegal drugs will be suspended from the College and referred to the appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution.
Federal, State and Local Penalties and Sanctions
Local, state and federal laws prohibit the unlawful use, distribution, manufacture, possession for purposes of distribution, and sale of alcohol and controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors, including the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. Possible penalties include, but are not limited to, fines, incarcerations up to and including life imprisonment, forfeiture of property and denial of federal benefits such as student loans, grants, etc. See also Title 21, United States Code (USC), Controlled Substances Act; and Chapter 481, Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the different municipalities within Dallas County have ordinances relating to the use of controlled substances, for which penalties may be imposed.
Health Risks and Prevention Efforts
The abuse of drugs and alcohol is harmful to one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below:
Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers): Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgments, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
Marijuana: Impaired short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
Cocaine: Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Nicotine: Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
Inhalants: Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
Prescription Drug Abuse: Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.
Treatment Options
A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention including education, programming, counseling, and referral. For detailed information, confidential referrals, and other resources available concerning counseling and treatment programs for drug and alcohol abuse, please contact Dallas College Counseling and/or Advisement Center, Health Center and/or location Office of Human Resources.
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