Sentencing and Parole Project

The Sentencing and Parole Project will develop, launch, and evaluate an initiative that seeks to address the mistreatment and misunderstanding of Black offenders in criminal sentencing and parole. The primary activity is the professional preparation of in-depth Impact of Race and Culture Assessments that provide comprehensive insight into how an individual’s experiences with racism and socio-economic disadvantage in their community may have contributed to their conduct, choices, and current or past contact with the criminal justice system. The reports provide context for judges to craft unique sentences that are just to the offender, and for parole boards to ensure offenders have access to resources and help that is attuned to their concerns.