National Student Group Demands Protection of Students' Civil Rights

In the response, the district claims that students are to blame for "any injuries or damages" because of their "own acts of comparative negligence, carelessness, [and] recklessness". The district also denies police illegally pointed guns in students' faces or violated their constitutional rights.

"Does the district honestly think it's going to win points claiming police didn't aim loaded guns at students' faces, but rather only their torsos?" asked Ian Mance, member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Charleston native. "Those students were one hair-trigger away from serious injury or even death. To blame them for this is absolutely unconscionable."

Police videotape shows Goose Creek police pointing guns at students during the November drug raid. No drugs or weapons were found, and the principal of Stratford High School resigned January 5 amidst the national controversy sparked by the raid.

"Our drug laws ought to protect youth," says Scarlett Swerdlow, National Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. "Unfortunately, as the continued controversy in Goose Creek shows, all too often youth are the victims."

Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a national organization with over 200 college and high school chapters, is committed to providing education on harms caused by the War on Drugs, working to involve youth in the political process, and promoting an open, honest, and rational discussion of alternative solutions to our nation's drug problems.

Interviews available. For more information contact Melissa Milam at (202) 293-4414 or visit http://www.ssdp.org.

http://www.ssdp.org/SSDP_ROOT/5_Press_Releases/PRESS_RELEASES.htm

Info From Berkeley Chapter of SSDP:
http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~ssdp/