Starting an eary celebration of Second Chance Month … and promoting “Relief in the Making” conference
America was founded on the promise of new beginnings. During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals so that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream.
Every year, more than 650,000 people are released from State and Federal prisons, some leaving with nothing more than a few dollars and a bus ticket to start their new lives. In total, over 70 million Americans have a criminal history record, which can make it hard to secure a steady job, safe housing, affordable health care, or a good education — all important things to have when trying to build a good life. Studies show that when these needs are met, we do not just empower formerly incarcerated people — we prevent crime and make our communities safer….
If we pursue this work together, our communities will be safer, stronger, and more just. It will make families and communities whole and help grow our economy, giving everyone a fair chance. I have always believed that our Nation’s best days are ahead — and that is true for every single American too. This month, we recommit to fulfilling the fresh promise that every second chance holds.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as Second Chance Month. I call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Ever eager to respond to a call for “all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities,” I am pleased to highlight that we are now only two weeks away from this exciting event taking place here at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law titled “Relief in the Making: The Policy, Implementation, and Impact of Record Sealing and Expungement Laws.” Here are the essentials:
The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law will host a symposium titled “Relief in the Making: The Policy, Implementation, and Impact of Rights Restoration Laws” on April 11-12, 2024 in Drinko Hall at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The symposium aims to examine and assess, from a variety of perspectives and with the help of a variety of voices, recent legal and policy developments regarding collateral consequences, record relief efforts, and broader concerns of justice and fairness for individuals and communities with criminal justice system involvement.
This is a free event, and folks can register at this link.