Students for Sensible Drug Policy addresses taboo topics

A new student organization at Southeast Missouri State University aims to inform others on the truth surrounding drugs and address the information that is misleading or false.

Drug use, policy and reform are the main topics of discussion for Southeast’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy president Karma Alvey said she contacted the National Students for Sensible Drug Policy office to form a new chapter at Southeast in March 2016. From there, she had to recruit for executive board positions and find members. They were officially established as a chapter in November.

Meetings are typically structured with a topic presentation followed by a discussion, but Alvey said sometimes they just hold discussions about drugs in general. It’s up to the members if they have a topic they would like to talk about. Topics covered in past meetings include psychedelics and marijuana.

Treasurer Brooke Reeves believes this organization is applicable to any student because drug use can affect everyone.

“No one in the real world is excluded from the umbrella term of drug use,” Reeves said.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is meant to be an open place to share thoughts and opinions with others who may not share the same viewpoints. Vice president Scott Glastetter has found a new sense of confidence since joining the organization.

“[This is] an avenue to speak with people who are aware and want to have a conversation,” he said. “This is a multidisciplinary group with lots of varying interests.”

Alvey said no one is forced to change their viewpoints on drugs. The members are aware someone who uses drugs could walk into a meeting and they remain nonjudgmental.

“We are not condoning or condemning drug use,” Alvey said. “We are trying to advocate for more common-sense drug policy.”

Reeves also wants to provide empowerment for people to make informed decisions about drugs. The group hopes to give people information so they can be safer and reduce harm if they choose to use certain drugs.

Students are invited to follow the Students for Sensible Drug Policy at SEMO Facebook page. The group’s meetings are held at 8 p.m. every Tuesday in the University Center Heritage Room.