“More than half of Dillard’s population smokes and the rest are willing to look the other way.” These were the words of a very prominent on-campus drug ‘baron’. According to this very articulate, well-dressed individual, the sale and traffic of illicit drugs is big business at Dillard and a wide spectrum of the population, from students to faculty members, are either benefiting or apparently helping the trade occur.
Weed is called by many names, including chronic, ganga and marijuana. Regardless of what it is called, and despite the fact that in past years it has seemingly become as socially acceptable as tobacco, it remains a very potent drug. Most students believe that they have engaged or know of someone who has engaged in weed smoking.
At Dillard, however, students are putting the entrepreneurial skills taught in the classroom to practical use.
Under the noses of the ‘ever vigilant’ administration, Dillard is said to be one of the hottest spots in the city for the sale of weed. According to our anonymous ‘baron’ it comes equipped with secured drop off points as well as skilled ‘mules’ who serve as unsuspicious middlemen or middle women.Another young lady, who was only willing to say that she is a junior, admitted to selling weed on campus since she was a sophomore.
According to the anonymous student, “It’s easy money. I get a good cut and it helps pay my car note, so why not.”She also claimed that it is a fairly simple process because the people in authority are willing to look the other way or act as if the problem is not there. Stacy Johnson, dorm manager of the Nelson Complex, conceded that there is indeed a drug problem on campus.
“While there is a problem I have to admit that I have seen worse in other cases. The real problem lies in that Dillard needs to put not just more but rather, better control mechanisms in place.” She said instead of simply talking and investigating what she perceives as isolated incidents on campus, those in key administrative positions need to become more proactive.
The undeniable fact however is that drugs, its sale and usage, has become a creeping problem at Dillard. The responsibility apparently is now resting solely upon the shoulders of the administration to curb this widely spreading ‘vice’ since more and more students are deciding that it is the easiest avenue to make ends meet.
One is forced to ask the question however if it is totally fair to negate responsibility for solving the problem to administration.
According to one student who confessed to being a ‘chronic’ smoker, “It is a fact that it is Dillard’s [administration] responsibility to remove the temptation, like make it harder for the stuff to get on campus. But then what? People will just go off campus to get it. You as a student, in fact as an individual just need to know what you are about. All the laws in the world can’t make us the responsible people that we need to be. That’s why I am trying to quit.”
Dean of Students, Marc David, was out of office and could not be reached for comment.
