For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Troy Blackwell, 646.828.0844

troy.blackwell@berlinrosen.com

 

Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown of California, signing SB 10 into law.

 

Scott Roberts, Senior Campaign Director at Color Of Change:

“Across the country, politicians are hijacking meaningful efforts to end money bail, led by Black and Brown communities, and turning them into empty reforms that uphold the status quo. This is painfully present in California. The version of SB10 that Governor Jerry Brown signed into law is not real bail reform. In fact, it makes it easier to incarcerate legally innocent people, many whom are black and brown. When judges are given more discretion to detain people, it dramatically increases the number of people incarcerated behind bars before trial. In addition, risk assessment tools uphold the racial bias inherent in the criminal legal system. We implore lawmakers in other states not to follow California’s example and listen to the communities most directly impacted by cash bail before deciding how to reform it. Color of Change will continue to work with grassroots organizations and allies to fight for the bail reform our communities deserve.”