Article links allegations of drugs in mansion to medicinal purposes.
In a Wall Street Journal article printed Sept. 26, it was reported that subcommittees to monitor Chancellor Gordon Gee's spending were formed after some trustees learned that the chancellor's wife, Constance Gee, was using marijuana in their Belle Meade mansion.
Constance Gee is an associate professor of Public Policy and Education in Peabody College.
Gee said he would not comment directly the allegations in the Wall Street Journal article concerning Mrs. Gee’s use of marijuana.
“I don’t talk about those issues,” he said. “Those are personal issues, but I will say that my wife has been very ill with Meniere’s Disease over the last several years, in fact it’s just been two years, and it’s a very debilitating disease, and she spent about almost four months on our bathroom floor with vertigo, and I just don’t comment on those issues. Other than to say that she’s feeling better, and we have addressed her health concerns and I’m grateful for that.”
Meniere’s Disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. According to WebMD.com, the disease causes sudden attacks of vertigo, tinnitus and temporary loss of hearing.
According to CNN.com, nine states have passed laws that allow marijuana for medicinal use. Tennessee is not one of those states. Doctors in the Otolaryngology Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center declined to comment on the situation.
Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Michael Schoenfeld would not comment specifically on the issue or any reprimand that Mrs. Gee received in response to this incident.
“All relevant and appropriate university policies and procedures were followed,” he said.
Gee gave the same response, saying, “The procedures that we follow for every faculty and staff member at the university, and my wife is a faculty member, were followed in this instance.”
According to the Drug and Alcohol Policy for Vanderbilt Faculty and Staff, “The university prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by faculty and staff on its property or as part of any university-sponsored activity. The prohibition extends to off-campus activities that are officially sponsored by Vanderbilt, its schools, departments or organizations.”
If an employee is found in violation of this policy, “the university will impose disciplinary sanctions on faculty and staff, up to and including termination of employment and referral for prosecution.”
Further, employment at Vanderbilt may become contingent upon the completion of a rehabilitation program.
The alcohol and drug policy set forth in the Student Handbook is similar to the employees’ requirements.
The handbook states that “the use or distribution of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia is prohibited.”
According to the handbook, “Violation of this policy will result in serious disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion for the first offense, and may also result in criminal prosecution.”
Jeanine Atkinson, director of Vanderbilt’s Office of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention, said she is “sure there will be some effect” of the Wall Street Journal’s allegations of Mrs. Gee’s marijuana use.
“A lot of it will depend upon the individual’s belief system concerning marijuana,” Atkinson said. “It’s evident that any person can get into using or abusing a substance without realizing the possible consequences. It can happen to any one of us, even if we are intelligent people.”
