Tuesday, April 30, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Threats are part of the disturbing new reality of American politics. While abuse directed at federal officeholders grabs the headlines, a new Brennan Center report reveals that intimidation aimed at state and local officials is distressingly common: 43 percent of state legislators, for example, have experienced threats within the past three years.

In addition to menacing public servants and their families, these threats have serious repercussions for representative democracy. Officeholders report being less willing to work on contentious issues like reproductive rights and gun control and reluctant to continue serving. Additionally, intimidation is often targeted at groups already underrepresented in government, such as women and people of color. Join us for a virtual discussion of this alarming trend as well as recommendations to stem the abuse.

Speakers: Anna Eskamani, State Representative, Florida House of Representatives // Gowri Ramachandran, Deputy Director, Brennan Center Elections and Government Program // Tom Roberts, Former Assemblymember, Nevada State Assembly // Moderator: Deirdre Walsh, Congressional Correspondent, NPR // Opening Remarks: Letitia James, Attorney General, New York State

Tuesday, April 23, 1–2 p.m. ET
New America
740 15th St NW #900
Washington, DC
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Join experts and authors in a discussion of the new book, Excessive Punishment: How the Justice System Creates Mass Incarceration, tracing how a maze of local, state and federal agencies have contributed to mass incarceration and deterred attempts at reform. This conversation will highlight ways to reimagine our system of justice and eliminate many of America’s punitive policies that tear apart our communities without making us safer.

Speakers: Chiraag Bains, Former Deputy Director, Domestic Policy Council, White House // Ted Johnson, Senior Advisor, Executive Office, New America // Nicole Porter, Senior Director of Advocacy, The Sentencing Project // Moderator: L.B. Eisen, Senior Director, Brennan Center Justice Program