Currently, the Legal Revolution supports five students who are incarcerated in Shakopee earning their paralegal degrees at North Hennepin Community College.
prison reform
Posted inOpinion
The transgender experience in prison
Over the last year, the DOC has changed some of its policy to address concerns of the transgender prisoner community but many problems still exist.
Posted inOpinion
Stillwater policy enables prisoner ‘fight clubs’
‘The idea that it’s prisoners’ responsibility to alert staff about prisoners living in the cell block together after fighting each other is ridiculous.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
New MN law protects jail inmates
The Hardel Sherrell Act includes a set of minimum standards in jails related to mental health assessments, suicide prevention, medication administration, and well-being checks.
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Bill Cosby released from prison as sexual assault conviction is overturned
The state Supreme Court ruled that Cosby’s deal with former prosecutor Bruce Castor should have been honored.
Posted inOpinion
Minnesota Corrections double-bunking violates international prison standards
Double-bunking also causes significant increases in stress levels, health problems, violence, and suicide, according to Canada’s Union of Correctional Officers.
Posted inOpinion
Recapping a year in the Minnesota DOC
As the year comes to a close, I’m sure many are wondering just what type of impact those changes have had on prisoners. Besides the women inmates in Shakopee? None. It may sound harsh, but the truth often is.
Posted inOpinion
Where we must start
This conversation between Kevin Reese and Calvin Boswell examines the emerging conversations to be had in the community that originated behind the walls.
Posted inOpinion
Welcome home, Kevin!
On July 11, after 14½ years in prison, Kevin Reese returns home and fulfills a long-awaited goal.
Posted inOpinion
Prison justice organizers celebrate a victory — with caution
A dialogue about reinstating Minnesota’s corrections ombudsman.
Posted inOpinion
How prisons use Black bodies for White power
The body of the inmate of color, like the body of his or her enslaved ancestor, has been stolen in order to enhance the political power of his or her oppressor.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Reentry fair offers formerly incarcerated ‘second chance’
The upcoming Minnesota Second Chance Coalition (MSCC) Resource Fair on April 24 seeks to provide access to resources to help those re-entering the community.
Posted inNational, News
Formerly incarcerated people face a tough journey home
Indeed, the questions and obstacles they face can be overwhelming. Will they ever find a job, especially if they lack the skills employers need? What about affordable housing?
Posted inLocal & State, News, Sister Spokesman, Sister Spokesman Highlights
Finding hope, help for women after incarceration
‘I got what I needed,’ said Natalie Pollard after attending Sister Spokesman’s ‘New Beginnings: Life After Incarceration’ discussion. She had left work and rushed over to the March 2 event on a mission to gather info for herself and other women transitioning from incarceration.
Posted inOpinion
The DOC’s mission on paper is something else entirely in practice
A monthly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. Just days after the U.S. Senate voted on a criminal justice reform bill that that is giving a much-needed push to de-incarcerate this nation’s prisons and jails, I find myself holding out hope on what it […]
Posted inBulletin
Poll shows broad support for criminal justice reform
Late last week, the Fraternal Order of Police — the largest law enforcement labor organization in the U.S. — became the first significant law enforcement group to announce their partnership with the White House on criminal justice reform legislation.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books
‘Becoming Ms. Burton’ offers lifeline in a sea of injustice
But Burton, a recovering addict and former convict, turned the strength of prevailing against personal adversity into a resource for others to do the same.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mpls NAACP compliance officer charts paths to prevent recidivism
For James Badue-El, that drive means charting a clear path to helping prevent recidivism for himself and others and creating authentic connections within the community.
Posted inNews
State prison unrest exposes overcrowding, understaffing
“Prison overcrowding is a vast issue in Minnesota,” according to Kellerlawoffices.com. “With many policymakers insistent on the need for stricter sentencing and no tolerance for multiple-offense inmates, state prisons are bursting at the seams [and] any space the releases make available is almost immediately occupied by new inmates.”