Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity
for Criminal Legal System Reform

News and Commentary

This page displays timely announcements, news reports, and articles written by MOSES members previously published in our newsletters, yearbook, or venues. The main display shows all items with the most recent first. You can select particular topics, working groups, or types of information to see the articles of one type, with the most recent first. Also see the Publications & Resources page for links to whole newsletters and yearbooks as well as other resources for research.

Critical Race Theory Explainer

by | Jul 21, 2021 | , , ,

  This was written in July 2021 by  Pam Oliver MOSES members have expressed concern about the current controversy around critical race theory. Some people have heard things that sound quite upsetting, such as children being required to identify with a particular race or being told that they have to announce/denounce their privilege. Right-wing media, politicians, and clergy are claiming that "critical race theory" is a moral threat to the nation, and there have been bills introduced in...

Lunch and Learn with Myra McNair May 2021

by | May 14, 2021 | , , ,

Myra McNair is a Marriage and Family Therapist, and Trauma Specialist and owner of Anesis Therapy. She discusses trauma as a root cause of incarceration, therapy for traumatized children, and Anesis Therapy's Mission.    Carmela Glenn hosts and asks questions. This was a Zoom event. Helping people navigate the mental health and wellness aspects of their life in a way that honors culture, family, community, and faith. YouTube video

Sentencing VIolence: How Society Deals with Violent Harm

by | May 11, 2021 | , , , ,

This video is an excerpt of the first Sentencing Forum specifically dealing with the importance of coming to terms with the sentences given to people who are violent offenders. It also talks about the widespread existence of violence in our society, what happens when we label people as violent offenders and the violence we inflict on people who have caused harm in our society. This video is 26 minutes long. It includes Michael O'Hear, Professor of Law at Marquette University, and Cecelia...

MOSES Sentencing Forum April 2021

by | Apr 15, 2021 | , , , ,

This Zoom event includes many speakers about sentencing in Dane County. It includes informative presentations followed by a Q&A with judicial candidates. Part 1 is two hours. Speakers include Marquette Law Professor Michael O'Hear, UW Madison Law Professor Cecelia Klingele, Dane County District Attorney Ishmael Ozanne, State Public Defender Catherine Dorl , Judge Nicholas McNamara, people who have been incarcerated, and MOSES members. YouTube Link Part 2 continues the discussion. It is...

Lunch and Learn with Justice Janine Geske

by | Dec 15, 2020 | , , ,

Judge Geske has been an long time advocate for restorative justice and an advocate for creating a human oriented justice system. She joined us for our first virtual Lunch and Learn on October 21, 2020. (Note that this recording begins with the introduction to Justice Geske.) The video is 1:11 long.  Justice Geske begins at 14:21.  The first 14 minutes include other members of MOSES making announcements. Note that this was an early Zoom meeting during COVID and unfortunately was not recorded to...

WISDOM Racial Equity Statement

by | Mar 18, 2019 | ,

WISDOM RACIAL EQUITY STATEMENT  Adopted February 21, 2019  OUR ASPIRATIONS  Racial equity is a core value of WISDOM and its affiliates and is practiced in everything we do.  Diverse voices, viewpoints, opinions, thoughts, and ideas are actively encouraged and embraced  throughout our organization.  A culture of deep and authentic relationships throughout WISDOM and its affiliates fosters a sense  of restored community and mutual caring.  Our commitment to racial equity promotes a just, fair,...

Expand Your Knowledge of White Privilege and Racism

by | Nov 9, 2018 |

Ignorance may be bliss, but it certainly doesn't help make the world a better place or further the goals of MOSES. Some great resources are listed below. If you know of additional resources, please list them in the comments section. Videos:  PBS: Race: The Power of an Illusion.  This is an excellent 3 part documentary from 2003 which can be purchased from California Newsreel, and is in some county libraries.  Of great value is the online companion to the series, “Background Readings” which...

Improving Mental Health Treatment in Dane County – Desired Future Conditions

by | Apr 24, 2018 | , , ,

Improving Mental Health Treatment in Dane County and Keeping People Out of the Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system is not designed to meet the needs of people needing mental health care. Yet, today, a large portion of people in the Dane County Jail have mental health issues (nearly 40% are receiving psychotropic medications) and there is a high racial disparity in this population. Many stakeholders in the county are now working to reduce the number of people with mental health...