National Urban League Commends Attorney General For Changing War On Drugs Policies
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE COMMENDS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE FOR CHANGING LONG-STANDING POLICIES FROM THE WAR ON DRUGS ERA
Urges U.S. Senate to bring EQUAL Act to the floor
Washington, D.C. (December 16, 2022) — Today, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, released the following statement on the Justice Department’s announcement to end sentencing disparities on crack and powder cocaine:
"The Attorney General’s announcement today ended years of long-standing policy that has disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities for decades. According to press reports, the Attorney General will incorporate specific changes to prosecutorial guidelines related to crack and powder cocaine possession-related sentences. The sentencing disparity in cases involving crack and powder cocaine are relics of the War on Drugs era – one that has resulted in the overpopulation of our nation’s prison system and long-lasting trauma to thousands of families and communities.
“However, while we applaud the DOJ’s efforts, the pressure must now be placed at Congress’ doorstep. Last year, the House of Representatives passed the EQUAL Act, a bill that would permanently eliminate the sentencing disparity in crack and powder cocaine cases. Despite having the support needed to pass the Senate, the legislation has been stalled. We urge the Senate to prioritize bringing the EQUAL Act to the floor to ensure these sentencing guidelines become law.”