As young people continue to drive the movement to end the War on Drugs, they remain a demographic highly targeted by police over drugs, and are vulnerable to overdose and other health consequences of the drug war. With its global network of over 370 chapters on campuses in 33 countries, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) has been at the forefront of this movement for over two decades. Recently, SSDP announced Jason Ortiz as its new executive director, tasked with overseeing the organization’s efforts to create a more racially just drug policy landscape.
In an interview with Ortiz, he shared his priorities for the organization, which include transitioning to a racial justice organization, expanding SSDP’s digital reach, and training and management of staff. He also emphasized the importance of engaging students in campus and local policies, especially for youth justice, and empowering them to draft their own laws.
Ortiz’s personal experience with drug charges and court battles has driven his passion for creating policy change through SSDP. He believes that the organization can provide the training and support necessary for any student to become a better community organizer and policy leader, while ensuring that diverse voices are included in policy drafting from the beginning.
SSDP’s work has already had a significant impact on drug policy, from reforming the Higher Education Act to legalizing marijuana in Colorado, providing immunity for drug overdose calls in Georgia, decriminalizing plant-based psychedelics in Santa Cruz, and providing free drug tests for students in the UK. With Ortiz at the helm, SSDP is poised to continue its fight for a more racially just and humane drug policy landscape worldwide.
