In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, students and employees of the Coast Community College District are notified of the standards, possible sanctions, and health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the programs available to students, staff, and faculty.
It is the intention of the District to provide an environment that maximizes academic achievement and personal growth. The District recognizes that alcohol and other drug use or abuse pose a significant threat to the health, safety, and well-being of users and the people around them. Substance abuse also interferes with academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular interests and can lead to health, personal, social, economic, and legal problems.
Alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and dependency, are behavioral/medical problems. Because the District's primary intent is to be helpful, not punitive, programs have been developed to deter alcohol and other drug abuse. First, education is provided about alcohol and other drug-related hazards and associated problems. Second, a program of assistance and referral is available to aid individuals who are experiencing alcohol and other drug-related problems. And, third, disciplinary procedures are applied to uphold the District policy regarding alcohol and other drug use.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires that all colleges in the District adopt and implement a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program (DAAPP) to prevent the abuse or unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities.
The drug and alcohol abuse prevention program must include:
This policy is intended to comply with the minimum requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 for all colleges in the District.
The following encompasses the District's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program, which is applicable to all students and employees of Coastline Community College, Golden West College, Orange Coast College and District Office.
The District shall be free from all unlawful drugs and from the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees.
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited on District property; during District-sponsored field trips, activities, or workshops; and in any facility or vehicle operated by the District.
The possession, sale, or furnishing of alcohol on campus is governed by California state law and this Policy. The possession, sale, consumption or furnishing of alcohol is controlled by the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control.
However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on college premises is the primary responsibility of the Campus Public Safety Department. Each college within the District and the District Office have been designated “Drug free,” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted.
It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of this policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol at any District facility without prior District approval.
Organizations or groups violating alcohol or substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the District.
In addition to this policy, AP 5500 Student Code of Conduct (which applies to all District Students) clearly prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs on District property or as part of any District or College activity.
The Federal Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801 et seq, proscribes federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. A summary of this information is available online at: http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ftp_chart1.pdf. A separate summary of penalties and sanctions pertaining to Marijuana, Hashish and Hashish Oil is available online at: http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ftp_chart2.pdf.
Federal law has set 21 as the minimum age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverages. Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving while intoxicated, are available from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). State laws pertaining to the possession, use and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs are available in the California Health & Safety Code (California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Health & Safety Code §§ 11000 et seq) and the California Business and Professions Code. A summary of pertinent laws and associated penalties/sanctions is included in AP 3550.
The following are criminal penalties for unlawful possession of controlled substances:
The following are criminal penalties for unlawful distribution of controlled substances:
The District offers a wide variety of educational opportunities to its students, employees and the community which address alcohol and other drug-related issues. Information about formal courses is available in the college catalogs, class schedules, and through the counseling centers. Additional educational opportunities include awareness activities, conferences, workshops, films/videos, and lectures, some of which are offered in conjunction with other colleges and community agencies. These activities are publicized at each College and the District Office.
Students can seek help through the Student Health Center or the Student Assistance Program. Student health professionals provide assistance for students with alcohol or drug problems including crisis intervention, education, and/or referral. The student assistance program has trained faculty and staff who volunteer their time to advise students and make referrals. Students may be referred to groups or agencies such as the following:
Any employee who violates the standards of conduct enumerated in this Policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreements and applicable Board Policies, which may include, termination of employment, or, consistent with local, state, or federal law, referral for prosecution.
Any student who violates the standards of conduct enumerated in this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as described in AP 5500 Student Code of Conduct.
Consistent with local, state, or federal law, any student or employee who violates this policy may also be referred for satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
The Chancellor shall assure that the District distributes annually to each student and employee the information required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and complies with other requirements of the Act.