BPNJ Update

Build Programs Not Jails (what is this?) meeting last night was a whirl wind of reports of what has been happening in the area on the criminal justice and social services front. Some of the subjects I have write ups on already (e.g. The March Committee of the Whole) and other meetings at the County and C-U local level.

There's a UIUC Board of Trustees meeting tomorrow (agenda here) that may discuss expungement of criminal records and the "Yes Apply" push to have school applications no longer ask about or consider criminal record. [UPDATE: Follow up coverage information: Trustees, Criminal Background and BDS ]

The Housing discrimination issue with the City of Champaign ordinance and Housing Authority of Champaign County was discussed.

There were updates on the CU Bail Watch project to provide oversight on the criminal justice systems treatment of the new Bail Reform Act (more info on that here).

The Urbana development project on top of a former water treatment facility location was discussed in relation to previous developments and concerns with toxicity and health issues such as the one just down the road at 5th and Hill site.

There are concerns with the Sheriff candidates advocacy for Jail expansion in spite of a years long low in demand and need could reignite the debate for expanding the Jail this election year. This could lead to a situation where opponents may be caught with their guard down and a push to expand goes mostly unchallenged behind the scenes to create the dreadful scenario of increasing jail capacity creating pressure to fill it rather than expansion based on actual beneficial need in the community.

There is concern about a button up fascist event that may be happening on campus to dehumanize undocumented immigrants and stoke fears and hysteria about violent crime in spite of the statistical reality that they are less likely to harm anyone in horrific crimes than citizens. How to deal with that without giving it the publicity they crave is an ongoing problem.

On a less cryptic note, the Community of the Whole County Board meetings (calendar) continue to have reports and RJTF specific issues being raised in the coming months, so keep attending and following their work to stay up to date on the latest movement on their recommendations.