2-PART SERIES: Wednesday, June 2 & June 9 -- 7pm ET
Is Justice Truly Blind?
Examining the Courts for Racial Equity:
From Arraignment to Reentry
Is Justice Truly Blind?
Examining the Courts for Racial Equity:
From Arraignment to Reentry
Does Ohio's court system work equitably for all defendants or unfairly penalize people of color and impoverished communities? This 2-part series examines how race, poverty, structural racism, and racialized bias impact the judicial process and outcomes for people of color, from initial charges, bail, plea bargains, convictions, sentencing, and reentering society. Beyond the courts, how do Ohioans rebuild their lives with thousands of Collateral Consequences and Sanctions restricting access to housing, employment, healthcare, and their families? Meet the justice officials, support agencies, and formerly incarcerated Ohioans who are reforming the system and rebuilding communities.
Moderators:
M.L. Schultze, Social Justice Reporter, WKSU 89.7 / NPR
Foluke Omosun, WKSU 89.7 / NPR
FEATURING:
Part 1: Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Brant Lee, Professor of Law, Assistant Dean of Diversity & Social Justice Initiatives,
University of Akron School of Law
The Honorable Ronald Adrine, Retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge
The Honorable Stephen L McIntosh, Franklin Court of Common Pleas, Administrative Judge
The Honorable David Hamilton, Akron Municipal Court Judge
Tania Nemer, Summit County Community Outreach Prosecutor
Cullen Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Chief Public Defender
Part 2: Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Reverend Raymond Greene, Executive Director, The Freedom BLOC
Maria Smith, Supervising Attorney, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Robin Turner, Criminal Justice Organizer, Ohio Organizing Collaborative
Walter Mathis, Community Organizer, Akron Organizing Collaborative
Perry Clark, Founder, President, Truly Reaching You, Inc. (TRY)
Michael Randle, Executive Vice President, Operations, Oriana House, Inc., Summit County
M.L. Schultze, Social Justice Reporter, WKSU 89.7 / NPR
Foluke Omosun, WKSU 89.7 / NPR
FEATURING:
Part 1: Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Brant Lee, Professor of Law, Assistant Dean of Diversity & Social Justice Initiatives,
University of Akron School of Law
The Honorable Ronald Adrine, Retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge
The Honorable Stephen L McIntosh, Franklin Court of Common Pleas, Administrative Judge
The Honorable David Hamilton, Akron Municipal Court Judge
Tania Nemer, Summit County Community Outreach Prosecutor
Cullen Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Chief Public Defender
Part 2: Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Reverend Raymond Greene, Executive Director, The Freedom BLOC
Maria Smith, Supervising Attorney, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Robin Turner, Criminal Justice Organizer, Ohio Organizing Collaborative
Walter Mathis, Community Organizer, Akron Organizing Collaborative
Perry Clark, Founder, President, Truly Reaching You, Inc. (TRY)
Michael Randle, Executive Vice President, Operations, Oriana House, Inc., Summit County
PART 1: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 -- 7pm ET
Navigating the System: Arraignment Through Sentencing
Navigating the System: Arraignment Through Sentencing
Is justice truly blind -- why do racial disparities and inequities continue to permeate the court system and perpetuate disparate outcomes for people of color? This evening, you will learn how defendants must navigate a complicated criminal legal system with a troubled pattern of racial injustice and systemic inequality. Meet the judges, prosecutors, and public defenders who are working to balance the scales of justice by addressing wrongful arrests, the controversial cash bail system, mandatory sentencing, and cultural representation in the courts. Learn about their use of diversion programs, alternative sentences, and restorative justice practices to comprehensively restore and rehabilitate Ohioans and stem racialized mass incarceration.
FEATURING
PART 2: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 -- 7pm ET
Picking Up the Pieces: 'Collateral Consequences' & Reentry
Picking Up the Pieces: 'Collateral Consequences' & Reentry
What are the challenges and barriers that defendants and formerly incarcerated Ohioans face as they transition back into society -- guilty or not? Arrest records, remanded custody, sentencing, incarceration, and criminal records trigger thousands of legal Collateral Consequences and Sanctions that severely restrict access to housing, employment, healthcare, education, and voting -- these Collateral Consequences disproportionately impact people of color and impoverished communities.
This evening, you will meet the organizations, grass-roots leaders, and formerly incarcerated Ohioans working to eliminate Collateral Sanctions and reform the criminal justice system through bail, sentencing, and reentry initiatives. Learn about their legal support services, mental health & addiction services, training and employment placement, education programs, community re-investment initiatives, and policy reform efforts.
This evening, you will meet the organizations, grass-roots leaders, and formerly incarcerated Ohioans working to eliminate Collateral Sanctions and reform the criminal justice system through bail, sentencing, and reentry initiatives. Learn about their legal support services, mental health & addiction services, training and employment placement, education programs, community re-investment initiatives, and policy reform efforts.
FEATURING
With Special Thanks To:
ICYMI...
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Visit the Watch page to catch up on previous programming, download slide decks, and review Lists of Resources.