Pubdate: Sun, 09 Sep 2012
Source: Daily Campus, The (UConn, CT Edu)
Copyright: 2012 ThesDaily Campus
Contact:  http://www.dailycampus.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2778
Author: Stephen Underwood

UCONN RANKED NO. 1 FOR STUDENT DRUG ACTIVISM AND SCHOOL POLICY REFORM

The University of Connecticut is ranked first in the nation among 
marijuana activism and policy by High Times magazine.

The ranking, which was released in August, grades universities across 
the country in terms of efforts to legalize cannabis, raise awareness 
and reform drug policy.

The magazine lists the many efforts by UConn's Students for Sensible 
Drug Policy (SSDP) as the main reason for their ranking.

According to High Times, "The Huskies of UConn SSDP have led the pack 
this year in reforming marijuana policy both on and off campus. Most 
notably, they played a huge role in helping pass medical marijuana 
legislation in Connecticut by hosting rallies, coordinating 
student-lobbying efforts and testifying before lawmakers."

Sam Tracy, former president of Undergraduate Student Government 
(USG), Treasurer of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and 
Editorial Board member for The Daily Campus, played a large role in 
the effort to change drug policy at UConn and for the 
decriminalization of marijuana in Connecticut.

"This ranking is very important because we were ranked number one out 
of hundreds of schools with SSDP chapters across the country" Tracy 
said. "Last year, we were ranked number nine and the year before that 
number ten. This is the first time we have been ranked number one. 
This recognizes our efforts in decriminalizing marijuana and the 
lobbying, rallying, and organizing that went into reforming UConn's 
drug policy," Tracy said.

Last year, the university's Office of Community Standards changed its 
drug policy by penalizing students found in possession of small 
amounts of marijuana the same as those charged with underage 
drinking. Also, the state of Connecticut decriminalized marijuana in 
the 2011 legislative session. These actions were cited in the 
magazines ranking criteria.

"This is not a ranking in how much UConn students do marijuana but 
shows how active the student body is politically. Our Students for a 
Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) body is very active in talking with 
representatives and coordinating with other lobbying groups," Tracy said.

Salvatore Sodaro, a Senior Mentor on SSDP, has also been active in 
reforming UConn's drug policy and raising awareness across Connecticut.

"SSDP is big in education not incarceration. In terms of outreach, we 
work with other groups to spread knowledge and awareness. In terms of 
policy, were at the Capital more than I can count talking to 
legislators and senators. We also work with other groups and schools 
across Connecticut and hold conferencesaE&Drug policy effects almost 
every demographic and has widespread effects politically, socially, 
and economically" he said.

Northeastern University in Boston, MA, came in second place in the 
rankings followed by Oregon SSDP chapters, Brown University and 
Piedmont Virginia Community College.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom