Last updated: January 2021
Under review: January 2024
Definition
The term "drugs", for the purpose of this policy, refers to any substance deemed illegal for use, possession, or distribution under German law. This includes so-called hard drugs such as heroin or cocaine, as well as mood-enhancing drugs such as Ecstasy or LSD, and so-called soft drugs such as hashish or marijuana. The policy also applies to the inappropriate use of otherwise legal substances, such as solvents or prescription medicines.
In order to promote health, a safe environment, and responsible student behavior, the school is committed to maintaining a drug-free campus. Therefore, the use, possession, or distribution of drugs on campus, on school transportation, on school trips, or at any school-sponsored events, is forbidden, even if this possession might not result in prosecution by the German authorities.
To support this policy, FIS employs the strategies outlined below:
Prevention
The school is committed to providing education and guidance for students to prevent the abuse of all potentially harmful substances. This educational program also reaches out to students’ families and guardians, as well as the faculty, staff, and administration. The school is also committed to training the faculty, staff and administration in order to make them aware of possible changes in student behavior which might be caused by a drug-related problem, to enable them to take preventative action.
The school is aware that any substance abuse may be a symptom of deeper problems and will be alert, sensitive, and determined to get to the root of such issues whenever possible. Community and trust-building activities such as co-curricular programs and student involvement in decision-making are regarded as important elements of any preventative program.
Assistance
The school offers assistance to any student who may have a drug-related problem. Provisions shall be made for confidential counseling without any personal disadvantage to those who seek advice as well as possible referral to professional help organizations. In situations where students seek assistance (or parents and friends seek assistance for the student) prior to a provable infraction of the policy, the situation will be handled as a counseling rather than a disciplinary issue.
Detection and Process
When drug-related offences are suspected, the school reserves the right to search lockers and personal belongings of students in line with 8.4041 Interviews, Searches and Confiscations, require drug testing, or take any other method deemed appropriate, including police involvement, in keeping with the school's mission and beliefs. In cases of suspected drug use, confirmation from a doctor that the student has tested negative for drugs can be required by the Head of School as a condition for continued attendance at the school.
If a student is found to be in possession of drugs or under the influence while on school property or engaged in a school-related activity, including arrival or attendance while under the influence of drugs taken elsewhere, the offense will be handled in accordance with the action plan outlined in 8.4022R Drug Prevention: Assistance and Procedures.
Discipline
Students violating the ban on drugs while on campus or engaged in school-related activities will be subject to an expulsion hearing.
If expelled, a student may seek re-admission on a probationary basis, usually after a minimum of one year, is at the discretion of the Head of School. Such consideration will only be granted if the Head of School is satisfied that the student can and will comply with the school’s policies and regulations. A confirmation from a doctor that the student has tested negative for drugs can be required as a condition of re-enrollment. The student and his/her parents or guardians shall be required to sign a contract stipulating any condition for re-enrollment, as determined by the Head of School.
The school reserves the right to take disciplinary action, or require counseling, where drug-related activities, which take place off campus, affect the health and well-being of students.
Communication
Students and their parents or guardians will have their attention drawn to the school’s policy on drugs and the consequences of its infringements as part of the annual enrollment/re-enrollment process. The administration will take the necessary steps to inform the school community about drug prevention measures and to elicit their continuing support.
The Policy Committee will review the drug prevention policy at yearly intervals for its effectiveness and will make its findings known to the Board of Trustees.