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Posted: 10/23/19

TAMIU Lecture Offers Open Discussion on Marijuana Legalization

 

Alex Berenson
Alex Berenson  

The legalization of marijuana, one of today’s most hotly-debated issues, will take centerstage at a special lecture at Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU)  Student Center Ballroom Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Free of charge and open to the public, it will feature a point-counterpoint approach by experts, followed by a panel discussion and audience question and answer opportunity. In addition, audience members will be able to provide input with live electronic audience polling.

Leading the discussion and arguing against legalization will be former New York Times reporter and award-winning author Alex Berenson.  Since the publication of his book, Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence , he has become a sought-after speaker.

Offering a counterpoint for full legalization of marijuana will be retired Los Angeles County detective Nick Morrow of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP). LEAP is a non-profit founded in 2002 focused on educating about the harms of drug prohibition while supporting drug policy and criminal justice reforms that make communities safer.

A panel discussion will include Jesse Hernández, licensed professional counselor specializing in mental health services and chemical dependency, and Joe Baeza, Laredo Police Department public information officer and Investigator.

The lecture is co-sponsored by Bill Green and Toni Ruiz, a former Laredo educator and historical documents collector who often sponsors projects with the goal of encouraging intellectual inquiry and students’ natural curiosity. It is hosted by TAMIU and Laredo College  (LC) in separate events.

Ruiz said she hopes the TAMIU lecture offers a positive example of civil discourse.

“I strongly believe that stimulating rational and respectful debate, particularly in an academic environment, is healthy and necessary in order for a democracy to thrive,” Ruiz explained, “I think the point-counterpoint format will make for a fascinating discussion and provide a positive platform for civil discourse, which our society too often forgets to practice these days. We all should strive to be better-informed on both sides of an issue in order to form educated opinions and be able to back them up with facts and responsible commentary.”

Ruiz said that legalization of marijuana is indeed  a hot-button issue.

“This is one of the biggest hot-button issues of our time…Public perception about marijuana use has undergone a major shift in the past decade. Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have already passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form, with 11 states and the District of Columbia fully legalizing the drug for recreational use. In June of this year, Texas legalized the growth and sale of hemp, but has yet to address the issue of full legalization. I can't think of a more timely and pertinent topic in Texas, especially along the Texas/México Border,” Ruiz concluded.

Both Berenson and Morrow will offer a second, closed discussion for students  at LC on Wednesday morning to include student presentations and a panel exhibit.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.