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Nancy Reagan stands at a podium and speaks into the mic. Behind her, many children wearing green "just say no" shirts and holding balloons.
Nancy Reagan speaks at a "Just Say No" rally at The White House (1986).

The "Just Say No" campaign is launched.

1981

DRUG
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CHIL
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Nancy Reagan speaks at a "Just Say No" rally at The White House (1986).

First Lady Nancy Reagan kicks off a "Just Say No" media campaign, setting the stage for zero-tolerance drug policies. The campaign focuses on teaching children to say "no" to peers offering them drugs.

This campaign will also align with the carceral strategy of massively incarcerating Black and Brown people at disproportionate rates. The campaign will last for more than a decade.

Studies now show that while the campaign increases concerns about drugs, it does not stop drug use.