Equal Justice Works’ Post

🏠 A Historic Milestone for Housing Justice in Pennsylvania! ⚖️I am thrilled to see that Pennsylvania is taking a monumental step forward by offering free legal representation to low-income renters facing eviction or other housing-related issues. For the first time ever, this critical support is available, and it’s a win for fairness and dignity for so many individuals and families across our state.We have long recognized the pressing need for counsel, and it’s inspiring to see this recognition turn into meaningful action. Ensuring legal support for vulnerable renters isn't just about addressing housing instability—it's about protecting basic human rights and paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities.This initiative is a reminder of what can be achieved when we advocate for what’s right and work collaboratively towards justice.#HousingJustice #EvictionPrevention #LegalSupport #Pennsylvania https://lnkd.in/gCFrTUtx

On World Day of Social Justice, we're reflecting on the theme of "bridging gaps, building alliances." In the pursuit of a more just and equitable world, modernizing court processes—while ensuring they are people-centric—is crucial for enhancing access to justice. However, there are currently two major “gaps” challenging our justice system: - Stenographer shortage: in many jurisdictions, this is causing delays in the resolution of cases. In others, it also means hearings are taking place with no verbatim record of what transpired, denying litigants vital records for appeals - Digital divide: While digitized court services offer efficiency, convenience, and accessibility for some, it is also true that certain groups are disproportionately excluded due to a range of factors Efforts are underway to address the shortage, including implementing digital recording systems and court record management platforms. Similarly, addressing the digital divide involves enhancing digital literacy, subsidizing internet access, partnering with local organizations to provide access to devices, and ensuring court platforms and online content are accessible and user-friendly for all, to name a few initiatives. Building alliances between stakeholders in the justice community, court participants, technology experts, and policymakers is essential to bridge these gaps and ensure justice is truly accessible to all. Read more on bridging gaps and building alliances within the justice system here: https://lnkd.in/gCgtvcZr

My oldest kid wants to be a lawyer when he grows up. Or a politician. Something where he gets to argue. (His words, not mine.) So we recently attended an info night for a local county Youth Court- an organization that I (incorrectly) assumed, was some sort of mock-trial club. When I tell you I was blown away by the work being done by this program... This is an actual diversionary justice program that keeps youth offenders avoid further involvement in the justice system... AND provides opportunities for restorative justice... AND gives other kids a chance to explore careers in all areas of the court system while gaining empathy and true understanding for the full picture of the lives of youth offenders.... AND has incredibly high success rates (91% of youth who participate are never involved in the justice system again)... AND these programs are just quietly existing in counties all over the country (1,150 of them) and many of us don't even know they're in our own backyards? There's a lot of talk about what needs to change in the world. And a lot of posting about it. This is just a reminder (ahem, to ME, because I sure needed it) , that there are also a lot of LEADERS who are quietly out there doing the work already. And some of us should probably just get out there and help them. More info on the specific group we learned about last week: https://lnkd.in/e9hZThiT

📢 Attention, DC community! This DC Emancipation Day, let's honor the spirit of freedom and equality by supporting access to justice for all. As we commemorate this historic day, join us in supporting funding for DC's Access to Justice program, ensuring that every resident can exercise their rights and seek justice. For 18 years, D.C. Access to Justice Commission has been tirelessly working to ensure that low- and moderate-income residents have access to the civil justice system. In D.C., these residents are majority Black and brown individuals. Right now, they need our support more than ever. The Access to Justice Initiative, administered by the D.C. Bar Foundation, provides crucial funding to over 30 community-based organizations each year, offering free legal help to those in need. However, funding cuts have put this essential program at risk. We urge the D.C. Council to restore necessary funding to the Access to Justice Initiative. Civil legal services are not a luxury—they're a necessity for the safety, economic stability, and community health of our district. Let's stand together to ensure that all residents have the access to justice they deserve in our Nation’s capital. Spread the word and support funding for DC's Access to Justice program: https://lnkd.in/daygkneg #AccesstoJustice #AccesstoJusticeCommission #DCEmancipation #DCEmancipationDay #SupportJustice #DCCommunity

New Blog - Judicial Services and Their Impact on Local Communities: A Closer Look In every society, the judicial system stands as a pillar of justice and order. But beyond its primary role, the judiciary profoundly impacts local communities in multifaceted ways. From decisions that influence community health and safety to the adoption of restorative justice programs, the judiciary's reach extends far beyond the courtroom. This article delves into the broader implications of judicial services on communities, highlighting the efficacy of alternative sentencing, the role of judges in fostering community relations, and the tangible benefits of restorative justice initiatives. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3R0uAd4

On April 10th, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making about lowering barriers for people with criminal records seeking #housing through public housing authorities and other housing providers. #HUD seeks public comments and recommendations on this rule by June 10th. I want to share an opportunity with you to add your voice to this sign-on letter drafted by the National Housing Law Project. If your organization is interested in signing on to the letter, please do so by using this sign-on form link by 3 p.m. ET on June 10, 2024. The form includes a link to the full public comment. I hope that you will support the efforts to reduce barriers to housing for people who have been impacted by the legal system! #endhomelessness

https://bit.ly/3wIZWxD #lawyersoflinkedin'... One consequence of this lack of data is that the justice system, particularly in areas of civil and administrative law, fails to benefit from the broad networks of think-tanks, researchers and evidence intermediaries that promote effective decision making and service design in other areas of social policy. For example, the justice sector has no equivalent to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, who play a vital role in ensuring that initiatives proposed in healthcare meet rigorous evidence standards and uphold patient safety ...-

Rev. Babington-Johnson testified that low-income housing is too expensive and rarely built in white areas, claiming these programs benefit affluent whites more than low-skilled Black and brown workers. The state housing agency removed his remarks as "racially insensitive." Prof. Myron Orfield argued these claims need investigation, not silencing. The Stairstep Foundation criticizes Minnesota Housing for not promoting subsidized housing in affluent areas, worsening segregation. Their lawsuit shows only 1.3% of subsidized housing is in affluent areas, while 35% is in poor, racially concentrated areas. In Hennepin County, areas with over 30% nonwhite residents have one subsidized unit for every four nonsubsidized units; in areas with less than 30% nonwhite residents, it’s one subsidized unit for every 24 nonsubsidized units. Successful models from other cities include Montgomery County, MD, which mandates affordable units in new projects, and Portland, OR, which preserves affordable housing in gentrifying neighborhoods. Austin, TX, uses a Housing Trust Fund to incentivize development in higher-income areas. George Floyd's murder by Derek Chauvin highlighted police brutality and racial injustice, was sadly just one example of this pattern: A 2023 study found Black Minnesotans are 5 times more likely to be arrested than whites for similar offenses. Nationally, Black Americans are arrested nearly 3 times more than whites. In Hennepin County, other minority groups face similar issues. Hmong Americans report disproportionate traffic stops and targeted enforcement. Somali Americans have experienced police violence. Jewish communities have seen increased discrimination, with 40% of U.S. adults recognizing significant bias. Arab Americans and Iranians have faced backlash and hate crimes post-9/11. Native Americans are killed by police at 3 times the rate of white Americans. Hispanics also face systemic profiling and discrimination. These facts highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure equity and justice for all communities. Justice Brandeis said, "Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants," stressing transparency and accountability. How can we ensure these reforms are implemented? For more, see: https://lnkd.in/gHfJhaf4 #AffordableHousing #CivilRights #Equality #Hennepin #HennepinCounty #Housing #Inclusion #Justice #Life #Minneapolis #Minnesota #RacialEquity #SocialJustice #Transparency #UrbanDevelopment

Register now for an upcoming town hall next month to discuss efforts to discuss the human right to housing in California. Learn more about what a right to housing means, why it matters, and how international human rights principles apply to our work to advance housing justice in California. Who: Speakers include Former United Nations Rapporteur Leilani Farha, California Assemblymember Matt Haney, Policylink’s Housing Director Rasheedah Phillips, and Professor Farah Hassan. Event co-hosts include UCLA’s Promise Institute for Human Rights, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Housing Now!, ACLU California Action, PolicyLink, National Homelessness Law Center, Power California Action, and Western Center On Law & Poverty. Panelists will explore how international human rights principles can inform our housing justice work in California, how a human rights framework applies to housing policy at the state and local levels, as well as the status of the campaign to pass ACA 10 -- a bill to enshrine the human right to housing in the state constitution. https://lnkd.in/gBZ9gA8Q

Unidos In Power Calls for Justice and Reform After the Tragic Loss of Recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia We, Unidos In Power—a statewide, non-partisan coalition of Latino leaders and Latino-serving organizations in Massachusetts—stand united in seeking justice and calling for reform following the untimely death of 25-year-old recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia. Enrique tragically passed away during a training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy earlier this month. Our deepest condolences go out to Enrique’s family. In his memory and out of respect for the Latino community, we urgently call for an immediate and thorough independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. We support Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s appointment of David Meier as lead investigator and join the call for additional resources to ensure full transparency and accountability. Furthermore, we advocate for the involvement of federal agencies like the FBI to guarantee an impartial and transparent investigation. We also advocate for comprehensive reforms within the Massachusetts State Police Academy to guarantee the safety and well-being of all recruits. Transparency in diversity statistics related to enrollment and graduation rates is crucial. We request detailed demographic breakdowns of the recruit program—including race, ethnicity, and gender—and information on recruitment strategies aimed at enhancing diversity. Our goal is to honor Enrique’s legacy by seeking justice and promoting an inclusive and equitable environment within our law enforcement agencies. We believe that together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that the Massachusetts State Police truly reflects and serves all communities. We invite the Latino community and all residents of Massachusetts to join us in advocating for these necessary actions. Together, we can make a difference. Unidos In Power Executive Committee Dr. Joseph Betancourt, Chairman, Unidos In Power – Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital Rosalin Acosta – Former Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Zamawa Arenas – Founder & CEO, Flowetik Juan Carlos (“JC”) Morales – Founder & CEO, Surfside Capital Advisors Grace R. Moreno – Founder & CEO, Grace Moreno Consulting #UnidosInPower #JusticeForEnrique #LatinoCommunity #Massachusetts #EqualityForAll #StandTogether #EnriqueDelgadoGarcia #CommunityAction