POLICY OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Adopted: Monday, May 1, 1989
Revision Number: 3
Revision Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Reference: Administrative, Personnel
Policy:
The College will adhere to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, as revised by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226).
Procedure:
The College is required to notify all employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispersion, possession or use of a controlled substance as defined by law is prohibited in the workplace.
The legalization of marijuana under state law does not change the College’s policy or its obligations under federal law as a federal contractor and recipient of federal funds. The manufacture, possession, use, distribution, sale, or purchase of marijuana is prohibited on Pearl River Community College premises and constitutes a violation of this policy. This includes marijuana prescribed under the State of Mississippi’s Medical Marijuana Law. Working under the influence of marijuana is likewise prohibited and violates this policy.
Duties and Responsibilities of the College
The College will maintain a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about the danger of drug abuse in the workplace. This program will state the College’s drug-free workplace policies and the penalties that may be imposed upon the employee for drug abuse violation occurring in the workplace. Information is available regarding the names of drug counseling, rehabilitation and assistance programs. This information may be obtained from the office of the employee’s supervisor.
The appropriate administrator of each employee is responsible to insure compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Employee
Each employee of Pearl River Community College must sign a statement acknowledging that the employee received a copy of the College’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy and is aware of the actions that will be taken against the employee for violation of the stated policy.
Each employee is herein notified that as a condition of employment with Pearl River Community College, he or she will abide by the terms of the policy statement and will notify his or her administrator, as well as the personnel office, of any criminal drug statute arrest or conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace within 24 hours after such arrest or conviction.
Federal Enforcement Regulations
If an employee directly involved with a federal Grant Program is convicted of any criminal drug statue violation occurring in the workplace, Pearl River Community College will notify the granting agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice of such conviction. Within thirty (30) days of receiving notice, with respect to any employee involved with a Federal Grant Program who is convicted of a drug statute violation occurring in the workplace, Pearl River Community College will take appropriate personnel action against such an employee up to and including termination.
Penalty
Anyone who violates this policy is subject to termination, suspension, non-renewal of contract, arrest, and/or removal from college premises.
