Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Gavel The following information is presented in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.

  1. Middle Tennessee State University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs on the campus property or on institutionally owned, leased, or otherwise controlled property.  The possession, use or distribution of alcohol on property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the University is limited and subject to MTSU Policy 755: Alcoholic Beverages.

  2. Various federal and state statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, or sell controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors which include the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. Possible sanctions include incarceration up to and including life imprisonment and imposition of substantial monetary fines.

    Tennessee statutes provide that it is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of employment), or consume alcoholic beverages, wine, or beer, such offense being classified a Class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2500, or both. The receipt, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages without the required revenue stamp is also a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or a fine of not more than $50, or both.

  3. The use of alcohol can lead to serious health risks:
      • loss of muscle control, poor coordination, slurred speech;
      • fatigue, nausea, headache;
      • increased likelihood of accidents;
      • impaired judgment;
      • possible respiratory paralysis and death.

    Heavy drinking can lead to:
      • alcoholism;
      • damage to br