Drugs and racially discriminatory prison. In this case study, we will be talking about drugs and racially discriminatory prison sentencing. This strongly and deeply relates to the chemistry we are learning right now, and I feel it is not only appropriate but the responsibility of an educator to apply what we’re learning to our world, especially as many of you are heading into medical professions. It may be uncomfortable or maybe even challenge some of your views. Several questions in this case study ask about your opinion, and I genuinely want to know what you think. It will not affect your grade at all if we have differing views, and I hope I have created an environment where you feel that you can express yourself freely. I recognize I also have much to learn, and I hope to continue learning from you.
When they arrived, the students of Professor Martinez’s class, though it would be yet another painfully dull and dauntingly difficult day in chemistry. The usual.
Professor Martinez began, “Today we will continue our discussion of acids and bases.” The class sighed.
Denise raised her hand, “Professor, I’ve heard that turning cocaine into the crack is an acid-base reaction. Is that true?”
Rather than scolding Denise for her outburst, Professor Martinez smiled. “Thank you, Denise. This is an excellent example. Class, as Denise said, the reaction of cocaine to form crack cocaine is indeed an acid-base reaction. In fact, another term for crack cocaine is ‘freebase.'”
“Can we make it as a lab?” Karl interjected, much to the delight of the class.
