March 22, 2007

Governor Doyle Creates Commission to Reduce Racial Disparity in Wisconsin's Criminal Justice System

Governor Jim Doyle today signed an Executive Order creating the Commission on Reducing Racial Disparity in Wisconsin's Criminal Justice System.  The Commission will work to determine if discrimination is built into Wisconsin's criminal justice system and develop strategies aimed at reducing racial disparities at each stage of the state's justice system - from arrest of new suspects to parole of convicted felons. 

"For Wisconsin to thrive, we need to make sure that every citizen has the opportunity to succeed in our communities, our schools, and our economy, and that requires that every person is treated fairly and equally in our system of justice," Governor Doyle said.  "Far too many of our citizens, particularly African American males, are serving in our prisons.  We need to make sure that each level of our criminal justice system is not only equipped with the resources it needs to bring criminals to justice and protect public safety, but is giving every Wisconsin citizen the opportunities and freedoms they are owed."

Studies show Wisconsin ranks at or near the top of national lists measuring disproportionate numbers of African American, Hispanic, and other minority populations in the corrections system.  In fact, in January, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency reported that young African Americans in Wisconsin are imprisoned at nearly 20 percent higher than the rate of young whites.   

Led by two co-chairs, the Commission will be made up of 24 community leaders appointed by the Governor.  The Commission will include representatives from law enforcement, members of the legislature, the judiciary, religious communities, business, as well as private attorneys and criminal justice officials, and will serve without compensation.  Additionally, Governor Doyle has directed the Office of Justice Assistance to provide basic staff support for the Commission, and all state agencies to provide information and assistance at the Commission's request.

The following individuals have been appointed to serve on the Governor's Commission on Reducing Racial Disparity in the Wisconsin Criminal Justice System:
 

·         State Senator Spencer Coggs, co-chair;

·         Madison Police Chief Noble Wray, co-chair;

·         Victor Arellano, Madison attorney, Lawton & Cates, SC;

·         State Representative Garey Bies;

·         Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard;

·         Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm;

·         Milwaukee Police Captain Debra Davidoski;

·         Stan Davis, Madison attorney, Axley Brynelson, LLP;

·         Juvenile Justice Commission Chair Deidre Garton;

·         Lutecia Gonzalez, Milwaukee attorney;

·         State Representative Tamara Grigsby;

·         Bishop Darrell Hines of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee;

·         Fred Jones, owner of IHOP Restaurant in Milwaukee;

·         Attorney Jennifer Bias-Luter, deputy director, Trial Division and Affirmative Action Officer for the Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender;

·         Derrick Martin, president and CEO of Lena's Food Market;

·         Dane County Circuit Court Judge James Martin;

·         Pastor C.H. McClelland of Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee;

·         Professor Pam Oliver, UW-Madison department chair, College of Letters & Science, Sociology;

·         Terrance Ray, Housing Partnership liaison for the City of Milwaukee and coordinator for Milwaukee Mayor's Fatherhood Initiative;

·         WHEDA Executive Director Antonio Riley;

·         Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Fred Rosa;

·         Charles Tubbs, administrator, Division of Juvenile Corrections;

·         Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Maxine White; and

·         Andre Wright, Milwaukee attorney, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, SC

 

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