Substance abuse is of great concern to the Sarah Lawrence community. Among the many health risks attendant to substance abuse is accidental overdose, physical and/or psychological dependence, organ damage, depression and increased susceptibility to accidents leading to serious injury. Because the College stresses the importance of preventative measures in dealing with any potential health problems, and in order to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the College has adopted the following policy for its faculty, administration, staff and student employees:
The unlawful or improper use of alcohol within the workplace and on all campus property is prohibited. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs within the workplace and on all campus property is prohibited. Such action shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. No employee may be under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug or controlled substance while in the workplace, while on duty or while operating a vehicle or equipment owned or leased by the College.
College Penalties for Violation of the Policy
Failure to abide by this policy will lead to disciplinary action, which could include:
- Referral to the Employee Assistance Program for evaluation and treatment, including required participation in a drug/alcohol rehabilitation program
- Written Warning
- Suspension
- Termination
- Referral for prosecution
Please note that student employees are also subject to the general college policies published in the Student Handbook and may also be subject to disciplinary sanctions related to the student alcohol and drug policy.
Legal Sanctions
Employees are responsible for obeying all local, state and federal laws concerning drugs and alcohol. Legal sanctions, as a result of conviction for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol, could include fines, community service work, required participation in a local, state or federally approved rehabilitation program and/or imprisonment.
Available Resources for Treatment
The primary interest of the College is in the well-being of its employees. For that reason, we urge any employee who may be suffering from substance abuse or related problems to seek appropriate counseling and rehabilitation immediately. Such counseling is available through the College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through the College’s health insurer and through public and private drug and alcohol agencies throughout Westchester County.
Campus Resources for Evaluation and Treatment
Off-Campus Resources for Evaluation and Treatment
- United Way of Westchester Referral Service & Help-line
(914) 949-INFO / (914) 949-4636
- Westchester Department of Community Mental Health Addiction Institute of New York, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center
100 Tenth Avenue, NY, NY 10019
(212) 523-6491
- Harm Reduction Psychotherapy and Training Associates, New York City
info@harmreductioncounseling.com
(212) 633-8157
- Pride Institute at Cornerstone (LGBT Outpatient Chemical Dependency)
57 West 57th St, NY, NY 10019
1-800-54-PRIDE