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Drug-free Workplace Rule Approved by WCC Panel

Mark Thompson-Kolar
The Ypsilanti Press

The Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees has adopted a drug-free workplace policy prohibiting all employees from making, having, using, or distributing illegal drugs in the workplace.

The policy, which comes in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, requires all employees working under federal grants or contracts to notify their supervisors within five days of any conviction for violation in the workplace of any criminal drug law.

It authorizes the college to take personnel action against convicted employees. Such moves may include disciplinary action or firing.

The policy calls for WCC to create an awareness program to educate employees about drug abuse and the guidelines of the policy, and implement an assistance program that permits confidential referral of employees to drug and alcohol counselors.

The college will notify each employee in writing concerning policy details.

Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Bailey said the college was essentially obliged to create the policy by an act of Congress.

All organizations applying for federal contracts valued at $25,000 or more, or grants of any size, must be certified drug-free.