Reflections on the 2023 Clean Slate Initiative Convening

The Clean Slate Delaware team had the opportunity to attend the second annual Clean Slate Initiative Convening in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lead Smart Justice Ambassador, Vondalear Smack, shares her experience.

Smack

Probation and Employment

It's in everyone’s best interest to ensure returning citizens are successful. Their success improves public safety and strengthens our communities. Supporting formerly incarcerated people in their work environments is the key to bringing us closer to the Delaware we all want.

By Haneef Salaam

Fewer prisoners, higher employment, happier Delawareans.

Clean Slate Delaware Hosts CSI, Advocates, and Directly Impacted Leaders at State Capitol for Second Chance Month Lobby Day

The Clean Slate Delaware Campaign kicked off Second Chances Month in Dover talking to lawmakers talk about expungement policies and the need to legislation that ensures every Delawarean has access to real second chance.

By John Reynolds

Clean Slate Campaign Team Members

Second Chance Stories: Using Storytelling to Transform the Justice System

Ahead of Second Chances Month, Clean Slate Delaware a hosted a two-part storytelling training to elevate the stories of impacted voices in during the upcoming CSDE Lobby Day on Tuesday, April 4 at Legislative Hall in Dover.

John Schmidt

Our Letter Urging Delaware State University Officials to Rescind Non-Disclosure Agreements

Delaware State University President, Dr. Tony Allen, issued a statement this evening rescinding the decision to require DSU students to sign confidentiality agreements in order to participte in the newly formed Safe Space Coalition. "They (students) deserve our unwavering support in the face of adversity, and if we want them to be a part of the solutions to the University’s most pressing concerns, they need to know that such a process is clear and transparent," Allen wrote.We look forward to meaningfu

DSU NDAs

ACLU-DE Files Amicus Brief Calling for the Reversal of Superior Court Decision to Consider Out-of-State Records in Expungement Eligibility Process

Delaware’s expungement process is already time-consuming, costly, and difficult to navigate. This disappointing decision makes a true second chance all the more inaccessible for many currently eligible individuals.

Second Chance Amicus

DSU Students Demand Campus Police Reform After Continued Sexual Assault Allegations

In the wake of the fifth sexual assault allegation since the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Delaware State University students express frustrations over failures of campus police and administration to ensure their safety. Some of student protesters spoke with ACLU-DE about their experiences.

Raised Fist

Delaware's Broken Probation System Causes Trauma

Delaware’s probation system can be traumatizing for individuals returning home after incarceration — especially during the holiday season. Campaign for Smart Justice Manager, Haneef Salaam, talks more about why we must demand probation reform now.

By Haneef Salaam

Stand with us to reimagine Delaware's probation system

Probation Reform is a Ballot Issue

This commentary was originally published in the Cape Gazette on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

A headshot of Shannon Shapter standing outside, wearing a teal-aqua green top with her long brown hair pulled to one side.