12/06/2015
It has come to the attention of Cornell College’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) that there is a student organized event on campus called “Protest the Arrests”. Our understanding is that the intention of this event is for students to gather in front of the Mount Vernon police station this evening to voice their concerns about the number of arrests on campus surrounding drug violations, specifically in regards to cannabis.
We as Students for Sensible Drug Policy neither support nor condone substance use, but acknowledge that substances are being used regardless of policy. As an organization we are in support of any changes in policies that will reduce the harm to individuals who choose to consume any substances. We do, however want to make it clear that Students for Sensible Drug Policy did not organize this event. As an organization we will be making an appearance at the event to document the protest. This event is a unique opportunity for students to speak candidly about the topics they are passionate about, outside of a campus setting. This is also an opportunity for SSDP participants to hand out educational material to individuals attending the event in the hopes to inform them on current drug policy, allow avenues for further constructive action and keep them from harm.
We are aware of growing concern and perception amongst the student body about the heightened presence of police on Cornell’s campus. This past Thursday we gauged the feelings of students on this issue and had an overwhelming negative response to the heightened presence of police on campus. These concerns are likely the basis for the student organized event that will be taking place this evening. Students for Sensible Drug Policy is choosing to address these concerns in a different manner. We are currently in the drafting process for a more compassionate, sensible and sustainable policy that encourages the well being of the student body.
Cornell has the opportunity to join other educational institutions in the implementation of policy that is focused on harm reduction; examples of this may include offering counselling as a first step for students who choose to use substances rather than the immediate involvement of local authorities. Taking these measures would reduce the amount of student arrests, which would benefit the student body and allow the Mont Vernon Police Department to focus on more severe issues. Internally deprioritizing substances like cannabis to the same level of reprimand as alcohol consumption would reduce the stigmatization and ‘silence’ surrounding abuse. When gauging student responses this Thursday the majority were in favor of policy changes around cannabis violations. We hope to work in good faith with the university administration and local authorities to make this policy change.
To reiterate, substance related student arrests on campus and an increased perception of police presence on campus has motivated students to organize an event off campus this evening called “Protest the Arrest”. This event is not organized by Students for Sensible Drug Policy, but the group will be in attendance to document the event and to educate students about the larger ramifications of the Drug War. An official proposal for the reform of Cornell College's policies surrounding Substance use will be published by SSDP to address these issues and others, Please stay tuned for more and email any suggestions, questions, comments or concerns to: [email protected]
