RJTF Letter to the Editor

 A letter to the editor asking for more coverage of the Racial Justice Task Force work being done locally was in the paper today:

Write more about special task force

The News-Gazette (Resolutions, Dec. 31, 2017 edition) urged the county board to act on recommendations issued by its appointed Racial Justice Task Force: Report and recommendations developed to reduce racial disparities in the Champaign County criminal justice system (Report is Just the Beginning, Dec. 1, 2017).

We are hoping that the newspaper will follow up with expanded explanations of these proposals and their possible impact on our community.

We are aware that small groups are working toward the recommendations related to housing policy and restorative justice practices.

Status reports on these and other initiatives would allow readers to determine ways to assist with these efforts.

Addressing and correcting disparities and working for equity is of vital importance to improving life for all of us in our communities.

Please consider publishing additional articles that will help us understand and advocate for positive change.

TAMMIE BOUSEMAN MICHAEL B. CROSBY MARCIA E. NELSON JAN SABEY on behalf of the First Mennonite Church Racial Justice Working Group

More updates on the housing issue meetings will be up here tonight or tomorrow. Here's a link to the latest Reentry Council meeting where the issue came up about the Housing Authority and City of Champaign. An update on CU Indivisible's efforts on the issue is coming soon as well.