The US policy response to drug abuse and addiction has focused heavily on law enforcement and criminal justice solutions. This policy emphasis has led to an erosion of civil liberties and human rights and jeopardizes public health, especially for low income and minority communities. This workshop will examine new policy approaches and the Church’s critical role in reorienting the public debate on drug use by shifting the focus from punishment to public health.
Speakers:
Jasmine Tyler, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Society Foundations
Billy Easley, Legislative Counsel for U.S. Senator Rand Paul
Roscoe Jones, Senior Counsel for U.S. Senator Cory Booker
Rev. Edwin Sanders (invited), Senior Servant and Founder of the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in Nashville, Tennessee