C. GSSM Drug and Alcohol Policy With the intent of supporting the overall health and wellness of the individual student and a safe school environment, the following policy has been developed regarding drug and alcohol possession and use by GSSM students. In every case, policies developed by GSSM consider the health and welfare of the student of utmost importance. As a learning institution, GSSM always seeks to educate first. We believe that it is our mission and purpose to help students learn from every experience they have while in attendance with us. When a student comes to a member of the GSSM faculty or staff indicating that he or she may have a problem with substance, we are committed to assisting the family is seeking appropriate treatment. This may constitute a medical withdrawal, but each situation will be considered on a case by case basis. Through our professional staff, and as necessary, outside agencies, a student who acknowledges a problem may be required to enter into counseling to assist in maintaining a clearer understanding of the dangers of drug and alcohol use and/or abuse and to help them design and implement a program for dealing with his or her problem. The GSSM psychologist and staff may work with the student and his or her family to develop a plan that is most effective for meeting the student's immediate and long term needs. In the student’s best interest, this may require him or her to return home for appropriate treatment. If a student is found in violation of this policy, safety will still be the primary concern, but we will exercise our conduct procedures as outlined in this document. Use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication not prescribed to the student, or paraphernalia is prohibited while enrolled at GSSM. Being present when alcohol or illegal substances are used or purchased or supplying them to members of the GSSM community also violates the school’s community standards. GSSM will adhere to all applicable state and/or federal laws dealing with drug and alcohol possession and/or use. Law enforcement agencies will be notified in cases where it appears there have been violations of the law or when deemed appropriate for health or safety reasons. Any punishments levied by law enforcement agencies are separate from those given by GSSM. Relevant state law: South Carolina Code of Laws SECTION 63-19-2440. Purchase or possession of beer, ale, wine, malt or other fermented beverages. (A) It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one to purchase or knowingly possess beer, ale, porter, wine, or other similar malt or fermented beverage. Possession is prima facie evidence that it was knowingly possessed. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars or more than one hundred dollars. SECTION 63-19-2450. Purchase or possession of alcoholic liquors. (A) It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one to purchase or knowingly possess alcoholic liquors. Possession is prima facie evidence that it was knowingly possessed. It is also unlawful for a person to falsely represent his age for the purpose of procuring alcoholic liquors. In the event of reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence or in possession of an illegal drug, alcohol, or prescription medication not prescribed to the student, the medical needs of the student will be evaluated immediately and the student may be transported to a medical facility at the discretion of the School. Alcohol and/or drug testing may be initiated, as appropriate and safe in light of a student's medical needs. Permission for medical personnel to conduct such testing, signed by the student and at least one of his or her custodial parents or guardians, must be on file before the student may be enrolled at GSSM. If testing is deemed necessary, it will be done in a private and confidential manner. Parents will be notified of the situation at the earliest practical opportunity.
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