Friend –

The disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentencing laws has resulted in devastatingly higher sentences for Black people in America, unjustly tearing apart Black families and communities for over 35 years.

And there's no valid reason for it: Crack and powder cocaine are chemically identical, yet the current federal sentencing disparity is 18-to-1. This harsh gap is not based in science or evidence, and has done nothing to improve public safety or reduce drug use.

Here's where the EQUAL Act is key. The bill would end this disparity – and has a serious chance of actually getting to President Biden's desk. It passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support – and now has the support of 11 Republican senators.

The problem? Midterm politics are already getting in the way of what should be a clear path to the EQUAL Act's passage – and that means loud public support is crucial before senators go on recess.

That's why we're reaching out. Let's make it clear to the full U.S. Senate that their constituents want them to choose people over politics: Join us in this action by emailing your senators to pass the EQUAL Act.

ACLU Supporter, the failed War on Drugs has deepened racial injustice and decimated communities for decades. And if our country is ever going to repair the damage done, it'll mean our leaders taking real action to end the ineffective and prejudiced policies that were born from it.

That means the Senate. That means now.

Make sure they know it: Tell your senators to pass the EQUAL Act and eliminate the unjust and racist disparity between crack and cocaine sentencing laws now.

Thanks for taking action,

Aamra Ahmad
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU