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Friend,
Uprooting the Drug War is our new initiative that illustrates how the drug war has seeped into critical systems with punishments that go far beyond arrests and incarceration.
This month we’re digging deeper into how the drug war has infiltrated the education system. Visit our site to learn more and register for our webinar on July 28.
The drug war is responsible for harsh disciplinary policies and increased police presence that have led to the criminalization and punishment of students, especially youth of color. Drug possession is among the most common reasons students are arrested and referred to police.
Young people are subject to invasive bag and locker searches or drug tests which can affect their ability to participate in activities or get them kicked out of school. And abstinence-only drug prevention approaches leave students unprepared to reduce their risk of harm if they choose to use drugs.
Schools should be safe and caring environments, but the drug war has made them vehicles for policing and punishment and warped our ability to provide the real support our children need.
From elementary school to college and beyond, students who have been cited for drugs have been blocked from student activities and financial aid even though they are crucial stepping stones to well-being for young people. And the drug war’s infiltration in schools had led to alarming statistics:
- 10 million students are in schools that have law enforcement but no social workers
- Drug use is now the second-highest source of student referrals to police
- Over one-third of school districts randomly drug test students, with some requiring tests for students as young as 11 years old
Punishing students for drugs is harmful and counterproductive. Every time a student receives harsh school discipline or comes into contact with the criminal legal system or school police officers, their likelihood of dropping out increases. And denying education to students for drug use leads to increased unemployment, income inequality, costly health problems, and incarceration.
Twisted drug war logic is preventing schools from being places for learning and support which is hurting youth. In order for students to thrive, we must uproot the drug war from the education system.
To learn more, join our virtual conversation on July 28. And if you know someone who cares about education, please share this email with them.
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Sincerely,
Kassandra Frederique
Executive Director
Drug Policy Alliance |
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