As an organization that has put racial justice at the center of our work we cannot engage in this work without having justice reform as a priority. Our leadership in Ferguson and the evidence of glaring racial inequities in our judiciary system intensified our commitment in this area.
Over the last six years we have analyzed the Missouri Vehicular Stops Report that shows glaring racial disparities involving traffic stops in Missouri. We are working with local police departments and the Attorney General to change this culture and to hold law enforcement accountable for racially biased policing.
In addition we advocated for HB274 “Raise the Age,” legislation that was passed. It ensures 17 year olds who are convicted of a felon will no be subjected to adult prisons. This takes effect in 2021
We have worked tirelessly to support legislation that reduce and propose the elimination of mandatory minimums and to advocate for the repeal of the death penalty.
The disproportionate number of Black people whose lives are impacted and disrupted by the Justice system is immoral. Last summer we watched as protests under the banner of Black Lives Matter erupted across the country including those led by MFV leaders in Missouri in response to the brutal murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and many more innocent and unsuspecting Black people by law enforcement officers. On January 6, 2021 the world watched as anti-Black, anti-Semitic riots under the guise of patriotism terrorized the Capital and elected officials in DC. Missouri legislators have continued with retaliatory legislation aimed at not just denying the right to protest but also bills that target the humanity, economic status, freedom and voting rights of Black protestors, clergy who protest and those who protest in solidarity with us.
Just Reform seeks to:
- Policing reform
- Juvenile justice
- Immigration
- Close the Workhouse Partner
- Protecting and defending Black Lives
- Stopping the pipeline to prison
- Abolishing the death penalty