Radio host Golden to mediate drug dialogue

A 22-member, broad-based committee will develop a new policy for Ashland district students

By DAMIAN MANN
Mail Tribune

ASHLAND - Public radio discussion host Jeff Golden, whose son refused to sign a drug and alcohol contract, will referee a 22-member committee that will devise a new school district drug and alcohol policy.

Golden, a former county commissioner and host of "The Jefferson Exchange," worried that his radio program might pose more of a potential conflict than his son's stance.

"Your point of view and your teenager's are going to be different," said his father. "I really admire Daniel's independence ... but I don't see the issue the same way he does."

Ashland senior Dan Golden has condemned the vagueness of some of the language in the contract.

The school district, confronted with a high-profile case in which students were alleged to have used drugs, came under fire last year when it asked leadership students to sign a contract forbidding the use of drugs or alcohol both on and off campus.

After some community members denounced the contract, school officials deleted language that penalized a student for off-campus behavior.

To come up with a policy that would appeal to the community, the district formed a large committee including Paul Copeland of the Campaign for School Tolerance and student body co-president Brady Brim-DeForest.

School board members Amy Amrhein and Chuck Keil are also on the committee.

The first meeting will be held from 7 to 9 tonight at the Ashland Middle School library.

A public forum will be held at 5 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Ashland Middle School gym, where David Turner of the Oregon School Board Association will give an overview of school law and student rights.

Golden, chosen as the committee facilitator, said he expressed his concern to school officials about possible conflicts, primarily because of topics dealt with on the radio show.

But Golden said he has no particular stance on the drug and alcohol policy.

"I definitely see the administration position and viewpoint," he said.

But he also appreciates the opinions of many in the community looking for a more "therapeutic" way of handling the issue.

"I really find some good public interest points from all the players in this discussion," he said.

Golden decided to take on the job because the drug and alcohol policy has been a divisive issue in the community.

Although the committee has many members, Golden said it helps reflect the community.

"Ashland is a town of questioners - that's for sure," he said. "And that does give heartburn to public officials once in a while."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com 

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