Travel writer to speak at Rice University

Travel writer Rick Steves will give a lecture on European versus U.S. drug policies at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at Rice University's Baker Hall's Dor Commons, 6100 Main St., Houston.

In his lecture entitled, "Travel as a Political Act, with a European Take on America's War on Marijuana," Steves will describe how Europe handles drug-abuse problems. Treating drug abuse as a health problem rather than as a criminal problem is more effective, according to Steves.

His is the keynote address for the conference on the war on drugs, "The War on Drugs Has Failed. Is Legalization the Answer?" There will be plenary sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. March 9.

Steves is host of the public television series "Rick Steves's Europe" and public radio series "Travel with Rick Steves" and has authored 50 European travel books. He is also a board member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the co-writer and host of the ACLU television documentary "Marijuana: A Time for Conversation" and a co-sponsor of Washington State Initiative No. 502, a ballot measure aimed at legalizing, regulating and taxing the sale of marijuana.

Although the event is open to the public, there is limited seating. There will be a webcast available at bakerinstitute.org/events/travel-as-a-political-act-with-a-european-take-on-americas-war-on-marijuana.