In the history of America, the exploitation and suffering of marginalized groups, particularly Black and Brown communities, have been prevalent. Recently, President Biden took a significant step by signing an executive order that terminates the Department of Justice’s involvement in the for-profit private prison system. This order will halt federal funding by not renewing contracts with these private institutions.
According to The Sentencing Project, as of 2017, over 121,000 individuals, representing 8.2% of the total prison population, were held in private prisons, both federal and state. Biden’s action marks progress in addressing the systemic dehumanization that has characterized our justice system, particularly towards those deemed offenders.
However, this executive order is merely a small part of a broader effort needed to achieve true equity for people of color in the U.S. A report from the NAACP highlights that 56% of the incarcerated population consists of Black and Latinx individuals, with Black Americans being incarcerated at more than five times the rate of their white counterparts.
Biden’s directive encourages a critical examination of racial injustices inherent in the prison system, and it is commendable that the current administration is taking steps towards healing these deep-rooted issues. Yet, with over 2 million individuals currently imprisoned in the U.S., reducing funding to private prisons is just one small measure in a vast landscape of social justice challenges. Many are acutely aware of the implications their skin color carries in this society; as NBA star LeBron James noted, no matter one’s accomplishments, the realities of systemic racism cannot be overlooked.
The prison system serves to perpetuate a cycle that strips away basic rights such as voting, education, and employment opportunities, which remain readily accessible to others. While Biden’s order is a move in the right direction, it does not address the multitude of issues that continue to impact marginalized communities. For instance, the ongoing separation of children from their parents due to previous immigration policies is an urgent matter that also requires immediate attention.
Having visited my mother in prison as a teenager, I witnessed firsthand the impact of incarceration on families, particularly among Black and Latinx communities. The challenge of dismantling systemic racism cannot be solved through executive orders alone, as it requires a collective reckoning with our nation’s history and the ongoing realities many face today.
The journey towards equity is long and complex. With divisive rhetoric and policies still present, we must acknowledge that the call for change extends beyond administrative actions. I hold hope that the Biden-Harris Administration will create a foundation for future leaders to build upon, focusing on family reunification, rehabilitation, and community healing. This executive order is a welcome beginning, but substantive change is imperative.
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Potential Search Queries:
- What is the impact of Biden’s executive order on private prisons?
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In summary, while President Biden’s executive order to end federal contracts with private prisons is a commendable initiative, it represents just a fraction of the broader efforts required to address systemic racial injustices and promote equity in the United States. A comprehensive approach is necessary for meaningful change.
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