News & Commentary

May 06, 2022

What happened at the legislature in 2022?

We fought every step of the way for liberation, justice, and equity. Here is the good and bad news.

The Connecticut capitol building is centered. The capitol lawn is covered in snow, and a sidewalk leading to the building is clear of snow. The sky is blue and has light clouds.
Mar 28, 2022

I worked in hospice care at York. We need better compassionate release options.

If we truly respect the lives of people who are incarcerated, then a pandemic is exactly when compassionate release should be easier to obtain.

By Pierlette Jones

ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice leader Pierlette Jones sits behind a desk, hands folded, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a blue people not prisons shirt and a watch. A copy of legislative testimony is under her clasped hands.
Mar 22, 2022

I've seen what "healthcare" in the DOC looks like. It has to change.

Access to quality healthcare is a human right. Yet for a person who is behind the walls, isolated in a cell and hidden away, the reality is that people are suffering and being victimized by a “healthcare” system that does not work and in fact harms them.

By Tracie Bernardi

ACLUCT smart justice leader Tracie Bernardi stands facing the camera and smiling. She is wearing a blue Smart Justice zip-up and a yellow People Not Prisons pin. To her left is an ACLUCT banner that says we the people dare to create a more perfect union
Mar 10, 2022

Keep Clean Slate's promise

Housing discrimination should have no place in Connecticut.

By Terri Ricks

ACLUCT smart justice leader Terri Ricks sits, smiling and looking straight at the camera. She is wearing a blue ACLU of Connecticut Smart justice hoodie and glasses. Behind her is a yellow people not prisons poster.
Mar 10, 2022

We need State's Attorney accountability to combat systemic racism

I believe in accountability for State's Attorneys, because it is the responsibility of this legislature to ensure Connecticut’s criminal legal system will treat everyone fairly no matter where they live, their education, their wealth, or their race.

ACLUCT Smart Justice leader Shelby Henderson sits behind a desk, smiling at the camera, with one hand on her chin. She is behind a desk, laptop and wearing a blue people not prisons shirt, with ACLU of CT banners and a people not prisons poster behind her
Mar 09, 2022

S.B. 307, to create accountability for State's Attorneys, is long overdue.

I am a mother and homeowner. And I am a formerly incarcerated person. I believe that public officials as powerful as State’s Attorneys should be held accountable, for the decisions they make will impact people for the rest of their lives.

By Brittany LaMarr

ACLUCT smart justice leader Brittany Lamar stands, smiling and facing the camera. She is wearing a blue people not prisons t-shirt and has long blond hair.
Mar 08, 2022

There's no room for forgiveness in the current system. That has to change.

I'm a mental health clinician, a parent, a husband, a homeowner, and I am passionate about helping people. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction on occupational licensing are demoralizing and cruel.

By Manuel Sandoval

ACLU of Connecticut / ACLU-CT smart justice leader Manny rallies at UConn
Mar 03, 2022

Barriers to reentry hurt our families, including children.

A criminal conviction has the unintended consequence of being a conviction for the whole family. And family problems will become community problems.

By Tyran Sampson

Image description: Tyran Sampson, ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader, stands, facing the camera. He is wearing a blue ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice zip-up sweatshirt, a navy blue hat, and has a mask pulled down. He looks serious.
Mar 03, 2022

I want to use my skills to help people. Employment discrimination stands in my way.

People, like myself, living with a record have a lot to contribute to Connecticut, and we should be eliminating barriers to employment and licensing so that people can become truly successful members of this state.

By Alex Brown

Image description: Alex Brown, ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader, stands, smiling directly at the camera. She is wearing a blue People Not Prisons t-shirt and black long-sleeved shirt under it. Her long brown hair is in a ponytail.