Tag Archives: Prison

DOES A NEW GOVERNOR SIGNAL A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE MASS PAROLE BOARD?

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Please see my newest at Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism (BINJ) here.  It begins:

“On Aug. 31, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey nominated social justice advocate and social worker Sarah Coughlin to the state’s Parole Board, and stated in a press release that Coughlin shared “the administration’s commitment to making our criminal justice system more just and equitable for all.”

Coughlin is currently the director of community engagement and partnerships at Mass General Brigham, and has wide-ranging experience with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women in re-entry, substance use disorder, trauma,and healing.”  MORE

The Case for College Education Behind Bars

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Please read and share my latest article which examines why Massachusetts should expand college education behind bars. This is a subject near and dear to my heart since I taught in prison for 10 years before Pell Grants were abolished. Here 

It begins “Knowledge of the power structure that runs society has made the biggest difference in my life.”

John Yang was released from MCI Concord in 2020, and is now completing his BA at Emerson College in Boston. In a far-ranging interview, he spoke about being one of four students featured at a March 24 Education in Prison conference at Emerson which aimed to show how and why college programs behind bars need expansion.

“By picking up a book, I was creating a different way of being, finding new strengths and abilities that I didn’t know I had.”  MORE

First Lifer Commutation in Mass. Since 1997 Goes to Gov. Council

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Please see my newest article about the commutation hearing of Tom Koonce (pictured above on left). The support, including his son (Thomas Andrews on right) was enormous. A 9 1/2 hour hearing before the Gov. Council and all that came with it is detailed in my newest article for DigBoston. If Council approves the commutation, then Koonce will apply for parole. Read and share!

MASS SPECIAL COMMISSION ON STRUCTURAL RACISM IN PAROLE ISSUES REPORT

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“People of color are more likely to serve longer sentences, even after accounting for criminal history, demographics, initial charge severity, court jurisdiction, and neighborhood characteristics.”

Please see and share my newest at DigBoston. There are 16 recommendations and will the Parole Board pay attention to them? More 

The Massachusetts Parole Board has a Transparency Problem

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Please read and share my newest article on DigBoston: The Massachusetts Parole Board has a Transparency Problem. “From secret hiring practices to a revolving door of political appointees, the Mass Parole Board is a “black hole,” and “lives are at risk.” More.