Racism is a deeply-rooted and complex issue that goes far beyond the color of one’s skin, and it is unknowingly engrained in the minds of today’s members of society. Alabama joined the Union in 1819 as the 22nd state and was later declared a slave state as part of the Missouri Compromise of 1820. While slavery was officially abolished in 1865 by the Thirteenth Amendment, racism can still be seen generations later. The Criminal Justice System of Alabama is impacted tremendously by racism both internally with personal interactions and externally with legislative actions. However, a series of proactive steps recommended for Governor Bentley, elected in 2010 as Alabama’s 53rd governor, can be taken in order to reduce racism seen rampant throughout
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In order to reduce racism in the criminal justice system, Governor Bentley should first, through extensive research and assessment, acknowledge that there is a problem in the criminal justice system. According to Law Professor Bill Quigley of Loyola University New Orleans, “the biggest crime” that the US criminal justice system faces today is racism “where African-Americans are directly targeted and punished in a much more aggressive way than white people” (Quigley). In his article, “Fourteen Examples of Racism in Criminal Justice System”, Quigley shows the unfair racial balance that the criminal justice system is faced with today. He mentions that while whites and blacks take part in “drug offenses, possession and sales, at roughly comparable rates,” blacks comprise “37% of people arrested for drug offenses” (Quigley). The War on Drugs has increased the impacts of racism in the system because being tough on crime translates now to being tough on the minority or on someone of a different race. Ashley Nellis, PH.D, is a senior research analyst for The Sentencing Project and professional analyst for the criminal justice system and its …show more content…
Alabama needs to develop laws and programs that acknowledge the issues of racial discrimination in the justice system. This can include, but should not be limited to, addressing racism in courts, prisons, and arrests. These laws and programs need to set standards and procedures for how to handle a defendant, prisoner, or suspect in a given situation. An example of a program created to address racism within the prison system developed after a racially-driven riot in 1993 prompted the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to decide that it was necessary to eliminate racism in all aspects of the agency and state prisons. The ODRC set out to do this through “a monthly viewing of cultural awareness programs that highlighted a different culture each month; a self-esteem program; a concert series which included performances by inmates and staff; spiritual retreats every six months led by prison ministries; and an annual cultural recognition day which featured a wide variety of inmate heritage, speakers, musicians and food” (Nellis 53). If Alabama were to establish programs such as this, then the system would have the opportunity to radically reduce racial disparities the system faces. Additionally, Governor Bentley and his task force should work to inform and educate
In order to reduce racism in the criminal justice system, Governor Bentley should first, through extensive research and assessment, acknowledge that there is a problem in the criminal justice system. According to Law Professor Bill Quigley of Loyola University New Orleans, “the biggest crime” that the US criminal justice system faces today is racism “where African-Americans are directly targeted and punished in a much more aggressive way than white people” (Quigley). In his article, “Fourteen Examples of Racism in Criminal Justice System”, Quigley shows the unfair racial balance that the criminal justice system is faced with today. He mentions that while whites and blacks take part in “drug offenses, possession and sales, at roughly comparable rates,” blacks comprise “37% of people arrested for drug offenses” (Quigley). The War on Drugs has increased the impacts of racism in the system because being tough on crime translates now to being tough on the minority or on someone of a different race. Ashley Nellis, PH.D, is a senior research analyst for The Sentencing Project and professional analyst for the criminal justice system and its …show more content…
Alabama needs to develop laws and programs that acknowledge the issues of racial discrimination in the justice system. This can include, but should not be limited to, addressing racism in courts, prisons, and arrests. These laws and programs need to set standards and procedures for how to handle a defendant, prisoner, or suspect in a given situation. An example of a program created to address racism within the prison system developed after a racially-driven riot in 1993 prompted the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to decide that it was necessary to eliminate racism in all aspects of the agency and state prisons. The ODRC set out to do this through “a monthly viewing of cultural awareness programs that highlighted a different culture each month; a self-esteem program; a concert series which included performances by inmates and staff; spiritual retreats every six months led by prison ministries; and an annual cultural recognition day which featured a wide variety of inmate heritage, speakers, musicians and food” (Nellis 53). If Alabama were to establish programs such as this, then the system would have the opportunity to radically reduce racial disparities the system faces. Additionally, Governor Bentley and his task force should work to inform and educate