The Letter
Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Reid:
During his address to Congress earlier last year, Pope Francis offered “encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.” As alumni [and faculty] of Jesuit law schools, our work as legal professionals often places us in direct contact with men, women, and young people involved in our nation’s justice system. Today, we call on you, the leadership of the United States Senate, to pass meaningful and dignified criminal justice reform.
Unfortunately, many elements of our justice system provide inadequate justice and in some cases perpetuate injustice. Too many people receive disproportionate sentences as a result of mandatory minimums. Care for victims often ends once a trial does. Countless individuals return from jail and prison inadequately prepared to re-enter society. Our reliance on the justice system to solve drug addiction, poverty, mental illness and joblessness leaves us worse off as a country.
We urge you to bring the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (S. 2123), to the Senate floor for a vote in this session of Congress. This bill reflects a broad consensus that has emerged in favor of criminal justice reform that addresses the length of nonviolent drug offenses, provides meaningful anti-recidivism programs in prison, and limits federal life without parole sentences and solitary confinement for juveniles.
This legislation is an important first step in making fundamental changes to ensure that our criminal justice system is grounded in respect for the God-given human dignity of every person. However, much more can and must be done to create a justice system that recognizes, in the Pope’s words, that “God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster.”
The time to pass criminal justice reform is now. The bipartisan consensus on the issue is clear. Communities all across our country are calling for it. We, in our varied experiences, united by our Jesuit education and the commitment to justice it calls forth from us, stand with you as you tackle this vitally important issue.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
NOTE: A modified version of this letter will also be sent to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, Speaker Paul Ryan and Representative Nancy Pelosi.
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— Ignatian Solidarity (@IGsolidarityNET) May 19, 2016