Texas Civil Rights Project’s Post

Check out the latest episode of Both Sides of the Bars! This month, Senior Vice President Dr. Ronald Day sat down with Ben Austen author of "Corrections," a book about the process of parole told through the portraits of two incarcerated men and the parole board that holds their freedom in the balance. They discussed our country’s values around crime and punishment. What must someone who commits a terrible act do to get a second chance? And what does incarceration seek to accomplish?https://lnkd.in/eSZqjmZS

This week, we’re shining a light on state clemency: who grants it and how to apply. Every state has its own approach to clemency deliberations. Here’s what you need to know: ∙In some states, clemency applications go directly to the governor. ∙In others, a board reviews applications and makes recommendations to the governor, who holds the final decision-making power. ∙In a few states, the Governor isn't the ultimate decision-maker. Procedures can vary widely: some boards meet regularly, while others convene only a few times a year. Unfortunately, the process is often not transparent. In today's era of mass incarceration, many states are facing serious backlogs that slow down the clemency application process. #ClemencyNow #ClemencyJusticeMercy

Last week, I attended an event that aimed to bring attention to a significant issue: children suing Michigan sheriff’s, the two largest jail telecom companies, and billionaire Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. The lawsuit asserts the children’s right to hug their incarcerated parents. The issue of whether children have the right to hug their incarcerated parents is both deeply emotional and complex, touching on the funding need for human connection. As someone who has experienced incarceration, I understand firsthand the profound impact that physical touch can have on maintaining security and a sence of closeness that is especially crucial for young children. Unfortunately, the debate is complicated by financial interests, as large telecommunications companies and influential figures like Tom Gores seems to support policies that limit in-person visits in favor of more expensive phone and video visits. This raises a significant ethical questions about the role of these powerful entities in shaping policies that affect vulnerable families. It’s intriguing to consider whether the Detroit Pistons players are aware of Tom Gores’ stance and, if so whether they feel the need to address it. Athletes and other public figures have the potential to use their platforms to advocate for more humane policies that prioritize family connections over corporate profits, potentially sparking meaningful change. #DetroitPistons #TomGores #Athletes #Children #IncarceratedParents

END, Incarceration of Black and Minority Youth: Locking up our adolescents does not lead to a safer and stronger community. When young people need support in their community, they will not find it behind locked doors. Seize the opportunity to advocate for our youth by reading End, Incarceration. Learn researched and effective ways to enhance the lives of youth and keep them out of the youth criminal justice system.

Last week, I attended an event that aimed to bring attention to a significant issue:children suing Michigan sheriff’s, the two largest jail telecoms companies, and billionaire Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. The lawsuit asserts the children’s right to hug their incarcerated parents. The issue of whether children have the right to hug their incarcerated parents is both deeply emotional and complex, touching on a fundamental need for human connection. As someone who has experienced incarceration, I understand firsthand the profound impact that physical touch can have on maintaining and nurturing the bond between parent and child. Hugging provides emotional security and a sence of closeness that is especially crucial for young children. Unfortunately, the debate is complicated by financial interests, as large telecommunications companies and influential figures like Tom Gores, seems to support policies that limit in-person visits in favor of more expensive phone and video visits. This raises significant ethical questions about the role of these powerful entities in shaping policies that affect vulnerable families. It’s intriguing to consider whether the Detroit Pistons players are aware of Tom Gores’ stance and, if so, whether they feel a responsibility to address it. Athletes and other public figures have the potential to use their platforms to advocate for more humane policies that prioritize family connection over corporate profits, potentially sparking meaningful change. #DetroitPistons #TomGores #Children #Incarceratedparents #Rightohug

Hey, we know her! One of our Smart Justice Advocates co-leaders, Selena Coomer, talked to Spectrum about how legislation like House Bill 124 helps people like her rebuild their lives and find meaningful employment after being convicted of a crime. Read more about Selena's story and HB 124:

Do you have a record from a prior conviction or incarceration? Wondering what #CleanSlateNY means for you? Center for Community Alternatives hosts a monthly Q&A to learn about the legislation's next steps and how it will seal old conviction records. https://lnkd.in/eJWNBRTe

Hey y’all! If you’re local to SF, Come join GLIDEsf and help phone bank for #Prop6 on the November #ballot ! Per GLIDE’s own Center for Social Justice: “GLIDE is so excited to support California Proposition 6, the ballot measure to End Slavery in California. Proposition 6 would close a loophole in the current California Constitution, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Prisons and private companies make millions in profit by forcing incarcerated people to work dangerous jobs even if they’d rather be in rehabilitation programs like victim impact, anger management, or drug treatment. Proposition 6 prioritizes rehabilitation over exploitation and increase opportunities for incarcerated people to work on themselves, which leads to safer communities for us all.” #Volunteer #GOTV #GetOutTheVote #California #CA #SanFrancisco #SF #Policy #MassIncarceration

We appreciate the insights and voices of those working in criminal justice reform. We're incredibly grateful for the tremendous response to our survey on disability and the criminal legal system. We want to ensure every passionate advocate gets a chance to share their perspective with us. The survey closing date has been extended to this Friday, February 16. If you're dedicated to transforming the criminal legal system or know someone who is, now's the perfect time to share your insights with our Ending Incarceration program. Dive into the conversation and share your invaluable feedback at https://bit.ly/3UBX6o0. #ActivatingChange #CriminalJusticeReform #TransformativeJustice #Reentry #MassIncarceration #Justice #CriminalDefense

Juvenile Justice Lawyer https://bit.ly/3hiUnOI | (480) 582-3637 Juvenile Justice: Rehabilitation, Not Incarceration Youth arrests have plummeted 71% since 1996, signaling a shift in the juvenile justice system towards rehabilitation. While 423,000 cases were processed in 2021, only 52% resulted in formal charges. Importantly, 73% of incarcerated youth are held for nonviolent offenses. This reflects a growing emphasis on community-based interventions, family involvement, and educational programs to address the root causes of delinquency. Remember, the focus is on helping young people learn and grow, not simply punishing them. Recidivism rates for youth are notably lower than for adults, proving the effectiveness of this approach. If your child faces the juvenile justice system, understand their rights and the options available. We advocate for young people and work towards a brighter future. Contact us today. For More Information and a Free Consultation please call at (480) 582-3637 or visit us online at https://bit.ly/3hiUnOI