NORML/SSDP

NORML/SSDP is under new management this semester and has many new and
annual events planned for this spring.

NORML/SSDP is the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
Laws and Students for Sensible Drug Policy and it is described on
wikipaltz.com as "the comprehensive drug policy reform organization
at SUNY New Paltz." It is also the organization that puts together
Rock Against Racism.

NORML/SSDP is now run by co-presidents Stephen Morseman, George Selby
and Adam Yellin. They have put together a comprehensive list of
things they wish to accomplish this semester at their last meeting.
They intend to make NORML/SSDP the active force, using the slogan on
their Facebook group, "Fight the stoner stereotype and get active!"

The biggest event planned is Rock Against Racism. The event is
planned for April 27, 2008. The Rock Against Racism Planning Posse,
as they call themselves, is working on getting acts such as San
Francisco DJ Bassnectar, and hip-hop artist M1.

"There will also be guest speakers speaking on issues involving the
drug war and racial issues," said Morseman a junior political science
and international relations major.

Additionally, they are planning a Know Your Rights campaign in which
they will be screening "Busted," a movie that teaches people how to
deal with cops in drug related situations. There will also be a
presentation and a Question and Answer session with university
police, town police and lawyers. The event is planned for some time
around April 1.

NORML plans to conduct an effective survey of student opinion of the
current drug policies on campus. "This is to give the administration
hard empirical information and students' opinions on the drug policy
on campus," said Morseman.

They hope to show movies, documentaries, and even concerts in the
lecture center on a weekly basis.

There is also a large fundraising campaign going on already to fix
the pot leaf light displayed in the window of the NORML office room
in the SUB and to help fund Rock Against Racism. Sarah Flamenbaum a
junior, was outside the Humanities building last week selling pot
leaf shaped cookies to raise money to fix the pot leaf yelling out,
"How many of you came to New Paltz because you saw the pot leaf in
the SUB window?"

On May 3, NORML will be part of the Marijuana March, which is a march
by students all over the world calling out to legalize marijuana.
"Over 200 cities all over the world will be involved," said Morseman.

NORML will also host many "legal smoke outs" where they will have
hookahs and rolled cigarettes.

If you are interested in the group and wish to get involved, you can
check out their Facebook group or their page on Wikipaltz.com,
www.wikipaltz.com/NORML. There is no regular meeting place or time,
but most meetings are on Wednesdays.