STUDENTS ADVOCATE FOR END TO WAR ON DRUGS

With so many on-campus organizations, it is nearly impossible for
students know of every club. Even further, when a student initially
hears about Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), not much is
known about the organizations intentions or goals. However, those who
find more information will come to realize what it is these
individuals do during their weekly meetings and that it does not
involve any form of illegal drug use.

SSDP brings together those who are resolute on changing the way
society treats substance abuse. Donald Halas, a 7th-semester
environmental science and natural resources management major and
current president of SSDP, clarifies SSDP as an organization that is
working to "completely abolish" the War on Drugs. Previous efforts of
the group include advocating for the UConn administration to adopt a
Good Samaritan policy, which was enacted last year.

"The problem is that most students aren't aware of their options,"
Halas said.

The policy, posted on the Dean of Students Web page states that during
penalization, UConn considers the fact that a student, regardless of
the degree of substance abuse, is responsible enough to ask for help.
Many students in these situations are hesitant to seek assistance in
such a crucial time of need out of fear of the consequences.

SSDP has a similar approach to War on Drugs.

"This is not a criminal issue," Halas said. "It is a health
issue."

SSDP is a nationwide activist organization with chapters in colleges
across the nation. Their position on drug use is that, rather than
waging a fruitless fight against the problem, the government should
attempt to regulate it by legal means.

"Who would you rather have selling drugs to your children, a drug
dealer on the street who has no legal discretion or a pharmacist?"
asked Amanda Stauble, a 7th semester political science major and SSDP
member.

This body of students views drug use in America as a battle not worth
fighting, an unstoppable trend, and asserts that it should be treated
just as alcohol and tobacco use is handled today.

Stauble emphasized that the degree of penalization for a minor drug
offense is not reflective of the nature of the crime. According to the
SSDP Web site, in addition to other legal action, over 200,000
students have been denied federal financial aid due to drug
convictions. Halas, along with his fellow members, regards this
procedure as doing more harm than good.

"Is this really the best policy for our country? Even at UConn a minor
drug offense almost always results in the student being kicked off
campus," Halas said.

SSDP members view the prevalence of drug offenders in jail as a waste
of tax-dollars.

"When you arrest a rapist or a murderer you are taking that person off
the street, but when you arrest a drug dealer, you are just creating
another job," Stauble said.

This semester, SSDP and 11 other organizations on campus are
collaborating to host Social Justice Week at the end of October. They
will be working to promote awareness of global iniquities while
providing attendees with entertainment through a variety activities
and musical performances.

"We aim to educate the campus as much as possible," Halas said.