High Times

Professor prostests law by again smoking 'joint'

Professor Emeritus Julian Heicklen is a man of his word.

Two weeks ago, the University chemistry professor claimed he would be back to smoke another "joint" at the University Gates. Yesterday, he lit up again with the promise he will return every week until his cause is reached.

Claiming University police had performed an "illegal seizure" of the cigarette, Heicklen urged the crowd to write to the district attorney and tell them what happened.

"It was a theft. The police officer committed a crime," Heicklen said.

Throughout his speech, Heicklen called for support from the students and the community.

"I want you to pressure the district attorney, saying you were a witness to a robbery," Heicklen said.

The confiscated cigarette is not yet confirmed as marijuana, said University Police Officer Wayne Weaver.

"It had the appearance of marijuana and the odor was in the air, but it does not mean it is marijuana," Weaver said. "We have reasonable suspicion that it is."

The result of the lab test could take up to a month, Weaver said.

The last time Heicklen protested in this way, the cigarette was not confiscated because the content of the cigarette was determined on the scene not to be marijuana, University police said. Heicklen said the cigarette was marijuana.

Heicklen also said he will be back next week and invited others to join him. He did not encourage marijuana smoking, but he said that if people wanted to join him, he would have no objections.

"I only ask that you arrange your own bail and no violence," Heicklen said.

Working with the groups Smart on Crime, a citizen's lobbying organization, and The Libertarian Party, in Centre County, Heicklen said he wants to reduce the prison population by eliminating drug laws.

And Heicklen said he has been receiving calls from many states and even a few foreign countries about his cause.

"We've started a movement," Heicklen said. "I am not an advocate for marijuana. I am an advocate for freedom."

Observers, who ranged from members of political groups to students just passing by, had strong views about the protest.

"I think it's great. I am all for the Libertarian party. America is truly about personal freedom with too much government control," said Bill Mocker (sophomore-history). "I agree totally with him and protecting the constitution."

Heicklen said he is hoping to reach many people with his message including the state legislature, U.S. Congress and the president.

"Sometime, (the president) has to do government business or someone has to," Heicklen said.

Regardless of the outcome of the protests, his point will be made, Heicklen said. If he is arrested, Heicklen said he will plead not guilty and request a jury trial. His ultimate goal however is to nullify all anti-drug laws.

"(Drug monitoring) everybody's problem individually," Heicklen said. "Government should get out of treatment and criminal programs. Competent adults are responsible to make their own decisions."

In this case, some students believe that the message is as important as the location of the protest.

"I think he is making his point," said Tracy Connors (freshman-communications). "How better to make his point than in the middle of College Avenue?"