n President Trump’s first State of the Union address, many priorities and goals were mentioned. Advocates for criminal justice reform were not left out of this conversation. Trump stated that his administration would focus on reforming prisons to ensure that returning citizens have access to second chances. For several years, presidential administrations and Congress have mentioned the need…
Addressing gun violence On February 14, a 19-year-old gunman killed seventeen students at a Florida high school with an AR-15 assault rifle. This tragedy, like many others, has led to renewed discussions about federal gun laws. President Trump and others have suggested arming teachers and school officials with weapons. After receiving a backlash from students at…
Dreamers, border walls and the budget To keep the government running past Thursday, Congress will need to find agreement on several issues including how to protect nearly 700,000 immigrants known as “Dreamers” from deportation. To end a government shutdown last month, Senate leaders promised to allow a vote on Dreamer legislation by February 8. A White House proposalincludes…
For many people who have been incarcerated for a long period of time, returning home may seem like the biggest day of their life. They may be faced with feelings of relief, excitement, nervousness and fear. Upon release, some are given a range of items, such as clothing for the day, medication for the week,…
Many people believe that the primary purposes of prisons are to increase public safety, punish offenders for crimes against society and rehabilitate prisoners. But in many ways, jails and prisons have become warehouses for people with mental illnesses or drug addictions and those who are living in poverty. In most states, jails hold more people with…
Jarrah Masalmeh was 15 years old when he was arrested at 2 am by Israeli soldiers at his home in the West Bank. He was treated roughly by the soldiers, with his hands tied behind his back. Charged with throwing stones, which he says he did not do, he was locked up for nine months.…
New legislation addresses detention of Palestinian children Jarrah Masalmeh was 15 years old when he was arrested at 2 am by Israeli soldiers at his home in the West Bank. Charged with throwing stones, he was locked up for nine months. Unfortunately Jarrah’s story is not unusual. Each year Israel detains hundreds of Palestinian youth, many of whom are subject…
