Penn State could tell parents of students’ drug violations

By NIKKI VELISARIS
Collegian Staff Writer

President Clinton recently signed a bill passing the Parental Notification Act, which gives institutions such as Penn State the option to inform parents if their child has been cited for a drug or alcohol violation.

But Penn State maintains the right to keep students' disciplinary records confidential and has yet to decide whether it will change any policies because of the new law.

"Institutions have always been able to contact parents if the student is dependent on them. If, however, a student could prove independence from his or her parents, (the parents) could not be notified," said Joe Puzycki, director of the Office of Judicial Affairs.

But the new law states when drugs and alcohol are involved, even parents of independent students can be informed of any disciplinary actions.

"I don't think that the law is fair because a student, especially one who is independent from their parents, should be responsible for their own actions," Morgan Ilgen (freshman-communications) said.

In the past, Penn State has notified parents only if the student caught consuming or possessing alcohol was a minor.

"Legally, the university can always call parents, but they usually think of students as adults," said Conal Carr, assistant director of the Office of Residence Life.

Now that the bill has become law, judicial affairs will be working with lawyers to decide how it will be interpreted at Penn State.

"I want to make it clear that there have been no decisions made by the university," Puzycki said.

"These are complex issues, and we don't want to move forward without getting input from students."

More discussion of conditions leading to parent notification is needed before any changes are made at Penn State, he added.

"I feel that it isn't the best thing, especially if a student is independent. We are adults and should be treated as such. We should be held accountable for our actions," said Beth Silvia, Undergraduate Student Government Legal Affairs director.