What We're Reading
News that caught our attention or cited the Texas Justice Initiative from across the Lone Star State and beyond.
A year after George Floyd's murder, only a few of Texas lawmakers' police reform measures appear likely to become law
Published on May 25, 2021Reporter Jolie McCullough provides an update on proposed legislation that is being considered by the Texas Legislature one year after the murder of George Floyd.
Granted Parole or Awaiting Trial, Inmates Died of COVID-19 Behind Bars
Published on May 6, 2021The New York Times reported on the deadly impact of the coronavirus on people incarcerated in prisons, jails and immigration detention centers, where 2,700 have died from the pandemic. Profiled in the piece are several individuals – including Texans – who died after either being approved for release by a parole board or while being held in jail pre-trial.
The Pandemic Gender Gap Behind Bars: Meeting the Needs of Women in Custody During COVID-19 and Planning for the Future
Published on May 4, 2021Alycia Welch and Michele Deitch from the LBJ School of Public Affairs take a national look at how the coronavirus pandemic has affected incarcerated women. They note that common characteristics in women who are incarcerated – like previous trauma, unaddressed behavioral and physical health issues, experiences as single mothers and as low-income persons of color – have made them particularly vulnerable.
Mortality In Local Jails, 2000-2018
Published on April 29, 2021From the Bureau of Justice Statistics: From 2017 to 2018, the number of deaths in local jails rose by 2% across the country, reaching a record high of 1,120 individuals. Nearly half of the deaths were due to illnesses, followed by suicide and drug or alcohol intoxication.
Police violence is a leading cause of death for young Black men, but it doesn’t top the list
Published on April 29, 2021PolitiFact checked into this comment made by New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, D-Brooklyn: "Law enforcement violence is the leading cause of death for young Black men and women in the US."