Anti Drug & Alcohol Abuse Policy
E.D.P. complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Workplaces Act. The school will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees as set forward in this policy (consistent with local, state and federal law) up to and including dismissal from the school, termination of employment, and/or referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct. A disciplinary sanction may include a requirement that the individual enroll in and successfully complete a rehabilitation program before returning to E.D.P.
Standards of Conduct
E.D.P. prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of illegal controlled substances or alcohol by students and employees at the school’s facilities. Further, students or employees are prohibited from appearing at the school’s facilities while their ability to function professionally is impaired by the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, whether or not legally obtained.
Facility Definition
For purposes of this policy, an individual shall be considered “at the school’s facilities” whenever he/she is:
- In E.D.P.’s campus building, or in the public areas adjacent to the building
- At any externship site while representing E.D.P. as a student or employee
- Driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle which is owned, leased, or controlled by E.D.P.
- On a field trip or other official off-campus trip.
Alcohol Policy
- E.D.P. prohibits both the possession or use of alcohol by students, and the presence of students or employees whose professional performance is impaired by the influence of alcohol, at the school’s facilities.
- Use, and particularly abuse, of alcohol adversely affects an individual’s efficiency, safety and health, and therefore seriously impairs his/her performance. In addition, the use of alcohol in a technical school environment constitutes a potential danger to the welfare of others. Any student who possesses, uses, or is under the influence of alcohol while at the school’s facilities is subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal from E.D.P. for violations of the Standards of Conduct.
- Any employee whose professional performance is impaired due to the influence of alcohol while at the school’s facilities is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including potential termination of employment.
- E.D.P. will encourage students and assist employees with alcohol dependencies to seek professional treatment/rehabilitation.
Drug Policy
- E.D.P. prohibits both the use or possession of illegal controlled substances, and the presence of students or employees whose professional performance is impaired by the influence of controlled substances (regardless of whether those substances were legally obtained), at the school’s facilities.
- The use of controlled substances adversely affects an individual’s efficiency, safety and health, and therefore seriously impairs his/her performance. In addition, the use of controlled substances in a technical school environment constitutes a potential danger to the welfare of other persons.
- The term “controlled substance” in this policy shall be taken to include all chemical substances or drugs listed in any controlled substances acts or regulations applicable under any federal, state or local laws.
- Furthermore, students and employees are reminded that the use of certain prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs may also, in certain circumstances, affect an individual’s performance and seriously impair his/her abilities.
The following are strictly prohibited by E.D.P. School:
- The illegal possession, distribution, sale or purchase of a controlled substance while at the school’s facilities. (See definition in “Alcohol Policy” section – above).
- Possession or use of, or being under the influence of, a controlled substance while at the school’s facilities, except when under a doctor’s direction when such use will not impair the individual’s ability to perform professionally.
- The use of other drugs, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, when such use impairs the individual’s ability to perform or may affect the safety or well-being of others.
- Any student who violates the above prohibitions is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from E.D.P. for violations of the Standards of Conduct.
- Any student convicted on a charge of illegal possession, use, or sale of any controlled substance while attending E.D.P. may be subject to discipline up to and including disciplinary dismissal at the discretion of the School Director, regardless of whether the offense occurred at the school’s facilities.
- Any employee who possesses, uses, or is under the influence of illegal controlled substances while on school facilities or at a school-sponsored event is subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
- E.D.P. will encourage students and assist employees with chemical dependencies to seek professional treatment/rehabilitation.
Search Policy
E.D.P. School reserves the right to search any location anywhere on the school’s facilities; including any desk, locker, or vehicle. Further, E.D.P. may permit law enforcement officials to conduct random searches of the school’s facilities.
Enforcement Policy
All disciplinary enforcement shall be at the discretion of the School Director, and shall be based upon the severity of the offense and the actions of the student/employee with regard to the incident. E.D.P. management shall be the sole judge of the sufficiency of evidence in such matters. The School Director may also bring the matter to the attention of appropriate law enforcement authorities, if in his/her opinion the evidence so warrants.
Disciplinary and administrative decisions shall be made in a manner consistent with applicable law. A disciplinary dismissal of a student cannot be appealed.
Biennial Review Policy
Information regarding our Biennial Review Policy can be viewed or downloaded by clicking this link.
Additional Resources
Links to information about drug and alcohol addiction, abuse, and recovery:
NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
If you or someone you know is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction, please visit the National Institute of Drug Abuse website.