Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance is continuing to fight against injustices in our prison systems, even during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The REFORM Alliance is an organization that was founded by Meek, JAY-Z, Robert Kraft and Michael Rubin to “dramatically reduce the number of people who are unjustly under the control of the criminal justice system – starting with probation and parole,” according to the organization’s website.
REFORM has revealed a recommended policy to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in prisons.
The policy, called the S.A.F.E.R. Plan, advises governors around the country to suspend probation visits, technical violation and any fines and fees. REFORM also suggested that governors find alternatives to imprisonment, provide extra precaution for prison staff, release the vulnerable and elderly to home confinement, offer provide free medical visits and provide protective gear.
“As our country takes measures to protect against Coronavirus, we can’t afford to forget about the millions of people under the control of our criminal justice system,” said Jessica Jackson, REFORM Alliance’s chief advocacy officer. “People in prisons, jails, or under community supervision are more at risk of contracting and spreading the virus, given their age, underlying health conditions, and close contact to each other. Protecting these individuals from coronavirus is not just a moral obligation, but necessary to preserve the health and safety of our communities.”
R Street Institute, the American Conservative Union, National Urban League, and Justice Action Network have already endorsed the plan of action.
REFORM Alliance has also launched an online petition to help encourage officials to protect the prisoners during this time.
The petition reads: “Failing to act could expose tens of thousands of people in prisons and jails across the country to the virus. Given the crowded nature of our correctional institutions, an outbreak is likely and would not only endanger people in prisons but also correctional staff and outside communities.”
Check out the petition here.