The impact of the change is minimal, said Kris Krane, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C. “It just simplifies the process. It means no change in the policy,” he told Diverse. “There’s no point in asking the question to first-year students.”
But by opening the door to congressional action on the FAFSA, the Obama administration could pave the way for a new debate about the drug conviction question, Krane said. At each congressional session, about 80 lawmakers sponsor legislation to remove the question, noting that it unfairly hurts low-income students trying to pursue higher education. But the bill has never gained majority support.
If the House and Senate take up FAFSA simplification at Obama’s request, Krane said, “It does open up some possibilities.”
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