The following statement was made by Laquita Garcia, statewide criminal justice coordinator for the Texas Organizing Project, in response to the reforms announced today by Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales:
“We applaud DA Gonzales for listening to the community that elected him. TOP members endorsed Gonzales because he said he shared our vision of ending mass incarceration. Today’s announcement of smart reforms represents a significant first step in that direction.
“For too long, our criminal justice system has been merciless and inhumane against poor people of color. This is best exemplified by drug-related arrests. Research has repeatedly shown that drug use cuts across racial lines, yet poor people of color bear the brunt of arrests and disproportionately suffer the consequences of having a criminal record.
“This announcement might seem radical to some, but this is exactly what is needed to drastically change a system that resorts to incarceration first for poor people of color, instead of helping them overcome drug addictions, mental health problems or homelessness.
“We look forward to continue working with DA Gonzales and other elected officials to make the Bexar County Jail a place of last resort, and to make our criminal justice system one that sees all people as human beings worthy of understanding, mercy and rehabilitation.”
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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.