Reformers & Cops Debate Drug Policy

For years, the drug policy reform community has complained that drug warriors refuse to participate in policy debates with reformers. That’s all about to change with the launch of a college debate series between SSDP Executive Director Kris Krane and former DEA Special Agent Robert Stutman.

The two have debated at the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University during the past year, and are preparing to bring the debate to campuses nationwide. SSDP hopes the debates will be a lively and entertaining way to expose students to arguments for an against the Drug War, in the belief that those exposed to both sides of the issue will come to the conclusion that reform is necessary.

“For whatever reason, members of the Drug War establishment have routinely refused to engage reformers in a straightforward discussion on the effectiveness of the War on Drugs,” Krane commented. “I commend Mr. Stutman for his willingness to participate, and look forward to bringing this important debate to students across the country.”

Previous debates have received great reviews from students. Christina Kimball of the University of Central Florida SSDP chapter said, “The debate was well received at UCF, where attendance reached over 200 intrigued students. I feel the students received a broad overview of the issue, and were able to come away from the event considering a variety of possible alternatives to the harmful War on Drugs. “

Meanwhile, SSDP has been working with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) to bring current and former cops, prosecutors, and judges to speak at college campuses about the failures of the War on Drugs. In addition to bringing new members out to meetings, SSDP chapters find that LEAP speakers often help to dispel the misperception that drug policy reformers are only interested in using drugs themselves.

For more information, or to find out how to bring the Krane-Stutman debate or a LEAP speaker to your campus, visit http://www.ssdp.org/speakers/

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