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Justice System Reform

SCSJ’s ‘Safe Return’ Report Details Successes of NC Releasing People Early from Prison 

DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 4, 2024) — During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina safely sent thousands of people home early from prison with no negative impact to public safety, according to a new report, “Safe Return,” from Southern Coalition for Social Justice released as part of its Reframing Public Safety Series. 

Read More SCSJ’s ‘Safe Return’ Report Details Successes of NC Releasing People Early from Prison 
Safe Return: North Carolina's Experience with Bringing People Home Early form Prison report spread with cover and two spreads showing report content over blue gradient background

Recent News

Gas station completely flooded in Asheville, NC, from Hurricane Helene
Communications

SCSJ Statement on Hurricane Helene Devastation

DURHAM, N.C. (Oct. 2, 2024) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice is heartbroken over the devastation our neighbors in Western North Carolina and across the South are enduring in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The loss of life, homes, livelihoods, heritage lands, and precious natural resources is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many in our region. 
Ripped Tennessee map over voter buttons and decorative lines
Voting Rights

Tennessee Advocates Shift Focus After Racial Gerrymandering Case Dismissal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 26, 2024) — A large coalition of Tennessee voting and civil rights advocates announced Thursday they will not refile litigation related to the alleged racially discriminatory gerrymandering of Congressional and state legislative districts in Tennessee.
UNC Digital One Card Student ID on iPhone displayed over roll of "I Voted" stickers
Voting Rights

Voting Rights Advocates Support UNC Students’ Ability to Use Digital ID Cards as Voter ID in 2024 Election

RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 26, 2024) – The North Carolina Court of Appeals should reject a petition filed by the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party that seeks to stop University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [UNC] students from using their digital Mobile One Cards as identification cards to vote in the 2024 election, according to an amicus brief filed Wednesday.
Waste incinerator smoke collaged on top of the everglades in Florida with a yellow decorative circle
Environmental Justice

SCSJ Joins Fight Against Toxic Waste Facilities in Miami-Dade County 

DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2024) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) stands united with our partners in urging the rejection of new waste incinerator projects in Miami-Dade County. Historically, marginalized communities have borne the brunt of toxic waste facilities, suffering from severe health impacts and environmental destruction. 
People attending public meeting with person speaking at the front of the seated crowd, decorative lines in the foreground frame the image
Environmental Justice

SCSJ Commends EJAC for Addressing West Badin Pollution Concerns

DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2024) — Governor Roy Cooper’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) will hold its final public meeting in Stanly County, a decision that honors the years of dedicated work by community members and advocates fighting local injustices.
Reentry Reimagined cover with young queer Black family holding their toddler happily in the background
Justice System Reform

Upcoming Alamance Reentry Event Will Feature Performers, Impacted Panel Discussion

BURLINGTON, N.C. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Several organizations will come together this month to host a powerful reentry event featuring performances of stories from the Hidden Voices' project ReVisioning Rural Reentry. The stories, which highlight critical perspectives from rural communities across the state, will be followed by a candid panel discussion between three individuals who returned to Alamance County after incarceration.
voter purging, voter registration application ripped
Voting Rights

Civil Rights Groups Challenge RNC’s, NC Republican Party’s Baseless Voter Purge Request

DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2024) — The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and an impacted North Carolina voter are requesting to intervene in a case to protect nearly a quarter of a million voters from the Republican National Committee’s and North Carolina Republican Party’s baseless attempt to force the State Board of Elections to remove them from the state’s voter rolls on the eve of the 2024 presidential election.  
Cloud of pollution over industrial building with map of North Carolina and green gradient in background
Environmental Justice

SCSJ: Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan Prioritizes Profits Over Practical Solutions 

DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 3, 2024) — Duke Energy has made it clear — its Carbon Plan is about making itself richer, not moving North Carolina to a carbon-free future. After a lengthy expert witness hearing, Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) has filed a brief detailing the many ways Duke's plan fails ratepayers, particularly lower-income North Carolinians who disproportionately bear the costs both on their utility bills and their health. 
EJ Mapping Tool interface under letter with feedback
Environmental Justice

SCSJ Celebrates EJ Mapping Tool Success and Proposes New Features

DURHAM, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2024) — Gov. Roy Cooper's Executive Order No. 292 to advance Environmental Justice ignited a powerful commitment to combat pollution, climate change, and exploitation of marginalized communities across North Carolina.