2022-0308: Opinion: Don’t give people returning from prison a “second chance”

Using this kind of language reinforces perceptions and prejudice that drive mass incarceration.

The Second Chance movement promotes the practice of hiring individuals with a criminal record. The movement’s name relies on a popular catchphrase in criminal justice reform, and the idea of Second Chance Hiring is increasingly being adopted by business and government leaders across the political spectrum. However well-intentioned, Second Chance is designed to fail – and worse. The language reinforces the perceptions and prejudice that drive mass incarceration. Giving people returning from incarceration a “second chance” does not serve their interests, and the Second Chance movement may only help derail a desperately needed justice reform movement currently picking up historic momentum.

CITY & STATE NEW YORK LINK: https://www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2022/03/opinion-dont-give-people-returning-prison-second-chance/362855/