How 'Second Chance' Laws Could Transform the US Justice System | Sheena Meade | TED

More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared -- but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves.

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[Syphorce]

Getting arrested and thrown in jail over a $87 bounced check is WILD! And the system adds expenses to people already financially struggling. This is by design.

[consideringconstantine]

"It enabled me to turn my pain into purpose. It enabled me to be able to walk into a room and be seen, not as a damaged goods, but as untapped potential."
This is a great speech for what I believe could be one of the most influential policy changes in our country.

[denisecorbisiero]

I can relate with a drug charge from 30 yrs ago, I am immediately disqualified from certain things. I am in Florida. Would love to know if DeSantis passed this and would love to help others. Great cause!!!

[Thethelement]

What happened to this woman is disgraceful. Our country has moved back in time once again. VOTE BLUE!

[funnytv-]

You have embodied something Marcel Proust described: “The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.“ Your new vantage point is from within. Your path is unshakable: small steps... repeated regularly... over time.

Breathe in and give yourself the rest you deserve. Dream now and continue your voyage of discovery until the sun taps the moon on its shoulder to take its place at dawn.

[byronleatham]

Thank you you are speaking the truth and the truth will set you free Thank you very much and I hope you get all the support you need to make this happen Right your governors Congressman Congressman senators and even the president and bring it to your political party And everybody else that will And vote out those who will not

[rooteddwellings]

I completely understand that people are scared of those in society who are destined to commit crimes their whole lives.. but the innocent good hearted people get screwed over in this system... If this reform helps those people i believe we should try it! Who knows maybe the oppressed communities would change if they had hope! Maybe not, and we will never get rid of habitual offenders. I believe 100% that when you do the crime and pay the time you should be free of that burden (some terrible crimes still need to show up in persons background checks) our justice system is God awful and I live in OKC my State of Oklahoma is terrible at rehabilitation of troubled persons.

[KiloDeltaOneSierra]

Two things I learned when i worked for the state attorney general. One is diversion and expungement.

[donfatale]

Thumbs up from me. Good people should not be denied the chance to turn it around.

[mariposamoreno]

people bounce checks and overdraw accounts the damn time. wtf that’s crazy!

[lunalea]

I may be wrong, however, I thought they had a program called "ARD', for 1st time offenders to expunge ur record, isn't this state wide, my gosh, arresting her in front of her children, these "cops" weren't human, sorry my dear, glad u survived & is thriving!😔☮💚

[hohohoya]

It's just like the scarlet letter....one slip, forever guilty

[karmicsheila]

This beautiful woman speaks some real truth. I work with recovering addicts, some of whom have been convicted of non-violent drug offenses related to their addiction. Second chance laws are essential to allow them to obtain employment and housing, in order to achieve self -sufficiency and pride in their accomplishments.

[roastedvegetables]

You can't expunge any records in the state of Massachusetts. So working to expunge is irrelevant. Because there is no red tape or procedures after 7 or 10 years, now what?

[JohnLee-jkew]

How does someone get involved with this organization so they can clear their record?

[toni]

I was arrested in Australia when I twnty-four. I'm now seventy one and I've never heard another word about it. No one has ever asked me about it, not one word. It's like it never happened. What a difference. You shouldn't have that slap across your face. It's not fair.

[BrandonTabin]

Too many criminals get too many second chances as it is, and third chances, and fourth... and fifth, ad infinitum...

[toddkirkey]

Good lord...most every state and person wants everyone to have a second chance. When you commit felonies sorry, the hatred, the violence, etc...and these cities are under siege from gang influence everywhere. This topic is so complicated, it's not as simple as this. Sorry this happened to this woman (it's absurd), but criminals do one thing constantly...they commit crimes again. Can anyone come up with solutions as to how we can prevent crime? Nah, we don't want that chat. We have to do better with this discussion.

[michelleowens]

That’s Awesome 👏
God Bless this Women and Everyone who stands with her. ❤

[larrydestiny]

When you have second chance, you will request for third chance😂