The Choice Program at UMBC

Let’s set the record straight — DEI isn’t about exclusion, favoritism, political agendas, or taking something away from one group to give to another. #Diversity, equity, and inclusion is about removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity, has a fair opportunity to succeed. It’s why:? ?? Companies invest in mentorship programs ?? TV shows have subtitles ?? Family restrooms exist ?? Remote work is offered ?? Pay transparency matters ?? Ramps in public spaces are possible Diversity, equity, and #inclusion is about ensuring that every person has the chance to contribute, to belong, and to thrive. And that’s a world worth striving for. Ready to join a community working toward this world? Join us at our virtual summit, The Power of Inclusion: https://lnkd.in/efvmGQ7p #SocialChange #WorkCulture #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalCompetence #SocialJustice?

The offices of Maryland’s attorney general and public defender [have] released their first report in an ongoing project [the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative] to address the state’s disproportionate incarceration of Black people. AMONG THE KEY TAKEAWAYS - RESTRICT LAWS THAT AUTOMATICALLY CHARGE YOUTHS AS ADULTS Under current law Maryland, teenagers charged with one of 33 offenses — including misdemeanor gun possession — are automatically sent to adult court. The majority of those cases eventually are bumped back down to the juvenile court system, where a young person’s case is resolved more quickly, and with greater access to resources such as therapy for underlying trauma and counseling aimed at helping them take accountability for their actions, advocates say. But moving from adult court to the juvenile system can take weeks or months. Youth justice advocates in Maryland have tried for more than a decade to end the practice of charging children as adults, but the effort has failed repeatedly before the General Assembly. In the report, the collaborative recommended amending state law to end the automatic charging of children as adults for most, but not all, crimes. Lawmakers heard testimony this year on a compromise bill that would reduce the number of crimes for which 16- and 17-year-olds are automatically charged as adults from 33 to about a dozen, but the proposal has not yet passed out of committee. (From the article posted below) [Please see the comments section below the article posted below for a link to the full report]

Congratulations Russell! #ChangeAgent

"This type of indifference to children’s humanity led to the deaths of?Kalief Browder?in New York and?Kayelyn Drake?in Mississippi. As a 16-year-old, Kalief was held in solitary confinement for two years while awaiting trial at New York’s infamous Rikers Island jail. He killed himself two years after his release. Just last year, 16-year-old Kayelyn committed suicide after being detained in an adult jail following her arrest. The deaths of Kalief and Kayelyn should make us ask an important question — will lawmakers in Annapolis act in time to prevent a similar tragedy? Or will we be naming a law in honor of a Maryland child who also didn’t need to die?" https://lnkd.in/eUCx3R9B

We hope to see you there!!

Congratulations Shemiah!! #ChangeAgent “Shemiah Dickens, coordinator of student leadership at TU, says the workshops with BCPL were an amazing end for the students in the final phase of the program. She says it was also a great way to show the community the exceptional students that attend Towson University.” https://lnkd.in/e5_j-GSq

Black youth comprise 31% of the youth population in Maryland, but 61% of youth arrested and brought to juvenile intake and 81% of youth charged as adults. Listen to Jayne Miller speak to local and national leaders about how to address this glaring disparity…

Congratulations Trenae! #ChangeAgent

Congratulations Albert! #ChangeAgent

Congratulations Miriam! #ChangeAgent