Such an amazing move, Gov. Moore!
During a press conference on June 17, Moore called the move the “most sweeping state-level pardon in any state” that will affect “tens of thousands of Marylanders” convicted of misdemeanors. “We are taking actions that are intentional, that are sweeping and unapologetic, and this is the largest such action in our nation’s history,” Moore said.
Executive Director of the University of Baltimore School of Law Center Heather Warnken labeled the pardons “a win for thousands of Marylanders getting a fresh start to pursue education, employment, and other forms of economic opportunity without the stain of a criminal conviction.”
That holds for people like Shiloh Jordan, who lost his job on his second day as the result of a minor cannabis conviction that appeared in a background check. Jordan attended the press conference, and although Moore highlighted how he was able to go back to school and is now employed at the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore, the cannabis conviction was still on his record.
“Well, today, that ends,” the governor said.
“This is about changing how the government and society view those walled off from opportunity because of broken and uneven policies.”
Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony Brown supports the measure, calling it “long overdue.” “As a nation, we have taken far too long to correct the injustices of a system that is supposed to be just for all,” Brown said. “It’s about racial justice. While the order applies to all who meet its criteria, the impact is a triumphant victory for African Americans and other Marylanders of color who were disproportionately arrested, convicted, and sentenced for actions yesterday that are lawful today.”
Afterward, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will assign an administrative law judge to consider the evidence and make a final scheduling recommendation.
Source: Black Enterprise
