Vera Institute of Justice

Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera

Every child deserves a chance to thrive, not a life defined by harm and incarceration. #Louisiana’s proposed Amendment 3 will further endanger our community by denying our young people the opportunities they need to become healthy, whole members of our communities. Director of Vera Louisiana, Sarah Omojola, explains why voters MUST vote #NoOn3 this election day, March 29: https://lnkd.in/eq34N5fc

The Trump administration's actions have real implications for criminal justice reform and immigrant justice in the U.S. Mass deportations, budget cuts, and more are already reshaping how safety, accountability, and justice are experienced by millions of people in this country—including the two million behind bars. Get expert weekly analysis from Vera on the latest developments out of Washington and their impact on criminal justice and immigration. https://lnkd.in/eCDWA3PM

New York! Our communities are under assault by the Trump administration. 🫵 You can do something about it: Urge Governor Hochul to fight Trump’s cruel policies anddefend the over 160,000 New Yorkers battling deportation without legal representation. Take action now: https://lnkd.in/e8zP4BdG

62 years ago today, the Supreme Court ruled that “lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries” in the case Gideon v. Wainwright. While this was an incredible win for civil rights at the time, immigrants facing deportation were excluded from the right to legal representation. In the years since, SCOTUS has expanded the right to counsel to include: ➡️ juvenile delinquency proceedings ➡️ defendants facing misdemeanor charges ➡️ adults in post-conviction proceedings As we recognize this landmark decision today, immigrant communities continue to face unrelenting and cruel attacks from the Trump administration. Immigration legal defense is a vital lifeline that upholds due process and safeguards our children, neighbors, and loved ones. While we fight against these injustices, our focus remains on advancing effective solutions like #UniversalRepresentation that protect due process and uphold human dignity. https://lnkd.in/eaAAQRWe

We must invest in girls’ freedom, not their incarceration. From housing to mentorship, girls and gender-expansive youth know what they need to heal. Community-centered programs offer real solutions that provide safety, healing, and opportunity without the harms of incarceration. When lives and futures are at stake, this is not just their fight—it’s all of ours. #WomensHistoryMonth https://lnkd.in/gYxXpWJt

Every day, people of color, immigrants, and those experiencing poverty are overpoliced, overincarcerated, and denied basic freedoms. At the Vera Institute of Justice, we are working to end mass incarceration and build a justice system rooted in fairness and dignity. On April 8, Vera’s Annual Dinner will raise essential funds to advance this work—and we can’t do it alone. Join us. This year, we are honoring Damien Dwin, whose service as board chair over the past five years has had a transformational impact. We are also celebrating the appointment of our new chair, Khalil Gibran Muhammad. We hope to see you there! Click the link below to buy a ticket, sponsor a table, or make a gift to fuel real, systemic change. https://lnkd.in/eR_9cFHy

What happens when you put kids in adult prisons? Increased risk of suicide, lasting trauma, and less public safety—not more. With Amendment 3, #Louisiana lawmakers are laying the groundwork to lock up more children in adult jails and prisons. 📣 Louisianans: You have the power to stop them. Vote #NoOn3 at the polls March 29.

Let’s be clear: our fight for criminal justice reform is for ALL of us.

Is your jurisdiction looking to expand investment in legal representation or create publicly funded deportation defense programs? Look no further: we’re seeking applications to join the Safety & Fairness for Everyone Network to build state and local universal representation programs. Grant opportunities available! Apply today ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eDys-a78