Drug-Free Schools and Community Act

Whitman College is required by the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) to provide students and employees with information about the policies and resources of the college regarding alcohol and drugs. Whitman College students and employees are also subject to federal and Washington state laws.

The information in this section is designed, however, to do much more than comply with a law. We hope it also will help you understand the health risks posed by alcohol and illicit drugs and encourage you to make informed decisions about your life and to care about the lives of others. 

As the college mission statement makes clear, "Situated within the rich and complex landscape and history of the Walla Walla Valley, Whitman College provides a rigorous liberal arts education of the highest quality to passionate and engaged students from diverse backgrounds. Whitman students develop their intellectual and creative capacities in a supportive scholarly community that prioritizes student learning within and beyond our classrooms. We help each student translate their deep local, regional, and global experiences into ethical and meaningful lives of purpose." 

The college, therefore, seeks to foster a campus and workplace environment that:

• enhances the atmosphere for study, work, learning, growth and wellness
• supports members of the community affected by or concerned with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs
• respects, supports and encourages those who choose not to use alcohol or illicit drugs
• promotes a caring environment

As members of this caring community, we all should be concerned about the potential for abuse problems and aware of the following information, provided here in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to students or employees.
• A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state and federal law) and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of conduct.
• The 2016-2018 Biennial Report reviewing Whitman College's AOD prevention program, is available.