Dear Friends,
The NRCAT staff is working remotely, and we continue to monitor important developments as the novel coronavirus pandemic is entering an increasingly dangerous stage. TAKE ACTION: Contact the Federal Bureau of Prisons about COVID-19 Response Last week, 15 U.S. Senators pressed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to implement procedures for preventing the spread of the virus in federal prisons. Public health experts, and our own experience visiting federal prisons, suggest that incarcerated people and even staff are at particularly high risk and less able to practice the recommended avoidance strategies for the coronavirus of social distancing, using hand disinfectants, and other measures available to the general public. Please send an email to the Bureau of Prisons supporting the call for implementing responsible procedures.
In addition, we hope you take the time to research ways to connect with state and local advocacy campaigns fighting to ensure that prisons, jails and detention centers are responding to the potentially devastating impact of the coronavirus on prison populations and staff locally. This includes, among other things, early release and reductions in arrests to make room for treatment in overcrowded jails. You are urged to contact your local state, county and city officials and demand action.
Movie Night Anyone?
Here are two social justice-themed movies we recommend for movie night at your house: - The Report, now streaming on Amazon Prime. The Report is the story of the U.S. post-9/11 CIA torture program, and the political drama of the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation which led to the U.S. passing new laws banning torture in 2015. NRCAT advocated for an end to U.S. torture throughout the period depicted in the film, and was a key part of this victory. The Report has graphic scenes of torture, so it's not suitable for young children.
- Just Mercy, which is available now for purchase on streaming services and available to rent on March 24. Just Mercy is based on the story of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard educated lawyer who has devoted his life to representing the wrongfully accused who have been sentenced to death.
In closing, this is a particularly difficult time for the most vulnerable among us – the elderly, the immune-compromised, those in prisons and detention centers, and those who are unable to work from home, among them. It has been difficult at NRCAT to have to cancel nearly half a dozen important large national advocacy gatherings where NRCAT was scheduled to speak or staff an exhibit. We are sorry to miss the opportunity to spend time with each and every one of you who were planning on joining us at these events.
But as we all work together for the greater good of defeating the coronavirus, we will use this time well, as we hope you will, caring for and advocating on behalf of others. We wish you safety and good health.
Rev. Ron Stief
Executive Director | |
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