Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), a social justice advocacy organization made up of chapters on college campuses around the world, was denied recognition as an official organization by the student government at Northern Illinois University.

After the NIU SSDP chapter declined to heed the student Senate's advice and apply for formal recognition as a "political" student group, rather than as a "social advocacy" organization, the Student Association Senate on Sunday voted to deny the group recognition altogether. However, student pro-life, pro-choice, antiwar, women's rights, and victims' rights groups are eligible for funding.

That means SSDP, which advocates reforming the country's draconian drug laws through its chapters at nearly 150 colleges across the country, will not be allowed to post flyers, apply for funding, or even meet on the NIU campus. NIU should recognize SSDP as a student organization and not violate their rights to free speech simply because it's members believe the war on drugs is counterproductive. 

SSDP and Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) say the NIU Student Association Senate is in violation of the First Amendment and is has set an unfair double standard for student groups on campus. Sign the petition to tell NIU President John G. Peters to intervene with the Student Association Senate's unconstitutional decision. 

Photo Credit: Students for Sensible Drug Policy