Reform Now - Reverend Kate Edwards
Channel: Timothy W Coursen
Date: 2014-07-16

On Wednesday, July 9, many diverse interfaith groups and justice advocates gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for WISDOM's press conference and to speak to the State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, chaired by DOC Secretary Ed Wall and Attorney General Van Hollen. Speakers from organizations across the state, including Madison's own MOSES contingent, conveyed passion and knowledge as they unveiled REFORM NOW, a campaign to illuminate failures, share stories, offer solutions and call for accountability at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  More than 125 people directly impacted by prison injustices, including those recently-released from years in prison, the spouses, children and parents of individuals currently incarcerated, and those who have chosen to stand in solidarity for change were present to work for reform of the criminal justice system in our state.

Speakers making public comments at the CJCC meeting included: Reverend Jerry Hancock introducing the REFORM NOW campaign and speaking about the broken parole system in Wisconsin. Reverend Kate Edwards speaking about the abuses of solitary confinement and segregation in Wisconsin state prisons. Richard Klein, the father of a son in prison, speaking about the excessive and unnecessary revocations of people who have not committed a new crime, but have only broken a rule of supervision. 

At the end of this segment Edward F. Wall, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections comments on Reverend Kate Edwards testimony.

Go to the WISDOM 11x15 Criminal Justice reform website to learn more and get the latest updates: http://prayforjusticeinwi.org/

To see the first REFORM NOW brief:
http://www.gamaliel.org/Portals/0/Documents/WisdomBriefOne.final.pdf