Gonzaga’s policy forbids drugs

Sun., Feb. 11, 2007

Virginia De Leon Staff writer

GU DRUG POLICY

The illegal use of drugs at Gonzaga University is not tolerated. This includes the abuse and medically unsupervised use of prescription drugs. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who is involved in such use of drugs. Documented violations of illegal possession, consumption, provision, or sale of narcotics or drugs, or possession of paraphernalia, may result in disciplinary sanctions from the University and/or referral to law enforcement officials.

The unlawful manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using, or being party thereto of any dangerous drug, controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University sponsored activities is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia, particularly containing drug residue, may be considered evidence of drug use.

In residential facilities with shared living space such as bathrooms, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and jointly held storage space, all residents with access to, and control over, the shared space will be held accountable for evidence of violations of University policies. It is a violation of University policy to knowingly be in the presence of others who possess illegal drugs or paraphernalia, or to be in the presence of a person using illegal drugs.

The University reserves the right to confiscate, retain, and dispose of/destroy any and all drug related items regardless of value or ownership.

Illegal drugs aren’t tolerated at Gonzaga University, according to the school’s policy, and any student who violates the university’s drug-free campus policy could be disciplined, suspended or even expelled.

The academic futures of Josh Heytvelt and Theo Davis – the two men’s basketball players who were arrested late Friday for drug possession – are unknown, but the first thing Gonzaga will do is offer them support and counseling.

Any student who is found to have an issue with drugs or alcohol must first meet with a Student Life counselor, who will then assess the student’s needs, according to university officials.

“Our first and foremost priority is to get students help if they have a problem,” said Gonzaga’s Dale Goodwin.

After an assessment, students in the process would then undergo a hearing followed by possible disciplinary action – which could include a reprimand, community service, suspension or expulsion.

The potential punishment in a university setting, however, isn’t as harsh as the legal consequences.

Marijuana possession is a gross misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a fine of $5,000. Possession of psychedelic mushrooms is considered a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

After one night in jail and within 12 hours of being arrested on suspicion of drug possession, Heytvelt, 20, and Davis, 21, were released on their own recognizance Saturday.

Their release from the Spokane County Jail was approved by Commissioner James M. Triplet, who was assigned to review jail bookings Saturday.

Triplet is a graduate of Gonzaga’s School of Law, like many Spokane attorneys. Despite his affiliation with the school, he said he didn’t give the athletes any special favors. “I’ve never been to a Gonzaga basketball game,” he added.

Triplet said it would be inappropriate for him to discuss the specifics of Heytvelt’s and Davis’ release, only that “it was absolutely the normal procedure.”

When setting bond and signing release orders, judges take into account a person’s criminal history, the seriousness of the offense and other factors, he said. Heytvelt’s and Davis’ release were among several orders that Triplet signed on Saturday.

Because they were allowed to leave without posting bail, it’s likely that the men have to follow certain release conditions, including refraining from drug and alcohol use.

“I heard commotion going on,” Triplet said, describing the scene at the jail upon his arrival. When asked if he recognized Heytvelt’s name and his contributions to Gonzaga basketball, the commissioner responded, “I treated this like I would every other case.”

The two basketball players were arrested after a Cheney Police Department officer stopped a gold-colored Chevy Trailblazer for defective taillights at First Street and Simpson Parkway. The officer smelled marijuana emanating from the car, driven by Heytvelt, police said. After further investigation, police said the officer found a small amount of marijuana and an undisclosed quantity of psychedelic mushrooms.

In addition to being suspended from the men’s basketball team for violating the team’s policy, Heytvelt’s and Davis’ alleged actions also violated Gonzaga’s drug policy.

“Documented violations of illegal possession, consumption, provision, or sale of narcotics or drugs, or possession of paraphernalia, may result in disciplinary sanctions from the University and/or referral to law enforcement officials,” the policy says.

It is also considered a policy violation to “knowingly be in the presence” of someone who uses or possesses illegal drugs.