Essex County Democrat To Teachers: Why So Silent On Legal Weed? – Belleville, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Democratic state senator who represents several Essex County towns is putting a question to educators in the Garden State: what’s the reason for your “perplexing silence” on recreational marijuana legalization?

On Tuesday, Sen. Ronald Rice (District 28) challenged New Jersey’s teachers and support staff to speak up about the controversial issue of legalizing cannabis.

Rice, who represents Newark, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington and Nutley, has been against legalizing recreational cannabis in the past, although he has been more open to medical marijuana and decriminalization efforts.

Rice’s full Tuesday statement follows below:

“While our legislators deliberate over recreational marijuana legislation that, if passed, would forever change the face of New Jersey, I’m baffled by the noncommittal silence we’re getting from educational organizations on this issue.

“Since my earliest days as a public servant and the first pieces of legislation I’ve introduced to the state senate, I have striven to make our schools the robust and vital community centers they should be. I envision our schools as hubs for knowledge, wisdom, friendships, alliances and actions that radiate health, reason, compassion and justice into our society. And I look to these institutions to signal their commitment to those values.

“As trusted extensions of our families, educators are the ones we commend our children to every school day. We trust them to guide our most. precious treasures, to teach them and keep them safe.

“It seems to me that these are the very people who would want to engage in the conversation about recreational marijuana legislation — that they would want to weigh in on the concerns they should have about kids’ mental and physical health, about neighborhoods and family life.

“Instead, there is a void there; a very perplexing silence that leaves me to question who speaks for the children today and for generations to come.

“So today, I respectfully encourage all New Jersey school administrators and staff, and members of school boards, parent teacher associations and related organizations to examine the facts about marijuana legalization, to evaluate what is at stake, to deliberate thoughtfully and to take a stand to protect and support the children and families they serve.”

ACLU: ‘WE CAN’T DELAY ANY LONGER’

Less than an hour after Rice issued his Tuesday statement, the ACLU of New Jersey issued a release in favor of the current legislative effort to legalize recreational marijuana, S-2703/A-4497.

Although derailed prior to a highly anticipated vote last month, the bill – backed by Gov. Phil Murphy – may be up for a vote again as early as May.

The ACLU-NJ wrote:

“New Jersey’s historic marijuana legalization bill could be up for a vote as early as May. Countless New Jerseyans who are affected by harsh marijuana enforcement, particularly people of color targeted by the drug war, are counting on this bill to pass. We cannot delay any longer. Tell your lawmakers to vote YES on S2703/A4497.

“If this bill passes, New Jersey would be the first in the nation to institute legalization in a way that puts racial and social justice at the fore. We cannot let this opportunity pass.

“With each day that passes, dozens of people will be arrested on marijuana possession charges, and the state loses out on the benefits of legalization. This legislation is a model for racial, social, and economic justice. It includes:

• Expedited expungements for marijuana possession and some distribution offenses.
• Opportunities for people with criminal records to work at all levels in the cannabis industry, and specific opportunities for communities affected by the drug war to obtain licenses.
• Non-discrimination provisions, so entities like banks, employers, and landlords can’t deny applicants for past cannabis offenses.
• Delivery for people with limited mobility.
• A business development commission focused on opportunities for women, people of color, and veterans with disabilities in the cannabis market.

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com