Group opposes marijuana rally

Heicklen's recent efforts to legalize pot were protested by students who said the professor is setting a bad example for area children.

The class is Marijuana 101, taught by retired professor Julian Heicklen.

The weekly seminar meets every Thursday at University Gates; the subject is personal freedoms and the vehicle is marijuana. It is similar to a regular class with homework and pop quizzes, but the consequences of enrolling could be jail time.

It may not be a real class, but in yesterday's "seminar," Heicklen returned to smoking marijuana at the weekly event after two weeks of being "smoke-free." As Heicklen spoke, he waved around a cigarette he claimed was marijuana, which he described as a "torch of freedom."

Heicklen assigned the crowd homework for the next protest, which will be held March 19. Homework includes reading the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.

The retired professor smoked what he claimed was marijuana during this week's protest in response to the timeliness of the preliminary hearings, Heicklen said.

Several University students protested after Heicklen's demonstration to show that not all students are in support of Heicklen's cause.

"We want to come out and say that it's not OK to use drugs," said protester Michael Stankevich (senior-marketing).

The anti-drug protesters said they have observed all of Heicklen's protests but yesterday was the first time they spoke up. At Heicklen's protest yesterday, the anti-drug protesters said they had been treated rudely and unfairly by Heicklen's supporters.

Heicklen's influence on the young population of State College was a primary concern of the anti-drug protesters. Stankevich said if others hear about what Heicklen is doing, they will emulate him, thinking that drug use is appropriate.

"People need to know that if they don't do drugs, they are not alone," Stankevich said.

Stankevich and the other protesters said they believe in and support the legal system and the laws. Stankevich said he also believed Heicklen is abusing his power as a retired professor of the University.

"College is about education," Marr said. "It is not about smoking pot."

Anti-drug supporter Matt Porro said Heicklen is hypocritical.

"He told us he supported our sign that said 'Say no to drugs,' and yet he is out here smoking," said Porro (sophomore-management science and information systems).

All of the anti-drug supporters yesterday said they will be out again in two weeks when Heicklen holds his next rally.

Heicklen said he was happy to see the "counterculture," expressing their concerns about drug use.

Citing reasons of prohibition of cameras in the courtroom, Heicklen also said he feels he is not receiving a fair trial because there will not be a visual record of the hearing. Heicklen said he plans to have his own stenographer present at the hearing.

The preliminary hearings for the others charged alongside Heicklen will be held March 18 or 25.