Stop Solitary: A Discussion for Criminal Justice Reform Advocates

Inspired by the recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the Innocence Project will host a discussion about the current efforts to end solitary confinement. The practice originated in the 1820’s based on Quaker principles of quiet reflection and penitence, but Quakers and other prison reform advocates soon found that long-term isolation lead to mental health issues and psychological distress. Today, with some 80,000 prisoners held in solitary confinement across the country, the fight to end it continues. Hear about the best legal and legislative strategies for reforming this practice from speakers who are intimately involved in the reform movement. Reception to follow.

Speakers:

Maddy deLone (moderator)—Innocence Project Executive Director

Nick Yarris—Death row exoneree from PA, cleared through DNA testing in 2003

Taylor Pendergrass—Senior Staff Attorney, NYCLU

This gathering is co-sponsored by the Innocence Project, ACLU, John Jay Center on Media, Crime & Justice and the Brennan Center for Justice. For more information, please email nyccriminaljusticemeetup@gmail.com.

The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the sponsors.