garnering nearly half a million signatures. But more than that, Richardson’s suspension and disqualification over marijuana is a reminder that U.S. laws are not moving as fast as U.S. public opinion—and this growing gap continues to disproportionately affect people of color.
“Drug testing is yet another tool of the drug war, and it’s a failure. Sha’Carri’s suspension serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of how insidious the drug war is in our everyday lives, far beyond the carceral state,” wrote Kassandra Frederique of the Drug Policy Alliance in aRichardson’s suspension also has the attention of lawmakers: On July 2, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin wrote ato the U.S.
So Sha’Carri can’t run because of marijuana, multiple African runners can’t run because their T levels are “too high,” and swim caps for Afro hair have been banned. Anyone else see a pattern here?The treatment of Richardson is a symptom of a much larger problem: As the weed industry booms and more and more states legalize the drug, racist anti-drug laws are still impacting Black people at a disproportionate rate.
The notion that weed is a problematic “drug” is rooted in racism. It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred. It’s something they should be ashamed of. Also if weed made you fast, I’d be FloJo.
WHAT?