Student Senate Thanks Department for its Symposium on the Plight of the American Criminal Justice System
The Baylor Student Senate passed a bill of support to say thank you to the Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Department for conducting “The Plight of the American Criminal Justice System” Symposium in the spring of 2022. The two-day event attracted large crowds from both the Waco and Baylor communities and sparked a campus-wide discussion on topics ranging from the true nature of justice to the limits of mercy.
Three keynote speakers advocated for reform of the criminal justice system and shared unique perspectives with the Baylor community. The symposium provided a tangible educational experience for many Baylor students to expand their “horizons and reflect on the issues plaguing the United States criminal justice system today.”
“Students gained invaluable perspectives and engaged in critical thinking over our US Criminal Justice system,” Katy Crawford, Baylor '22 Student Body Internal Vice President, said. “We are grateful for your contributions in enriching our educations!”
The symposium was sponsored by the Baylor Department of Journalism and the Baylor National Association of Black Journalists in conjunction with Baylor School of Social Work, Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion, and Baylor Multicultural Affairs.
Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, department chair, and Professor Robert Darden began discussing the feasibility of such a symposium around the theme of “reconciliation” in early 2020 after Moody-Ramirez heard Anthony Graves speak. From there, a “wish list” of speakers and authors quickly emerged.
“We identified Anthony Graves, Jeanne Bishop and Mark Osler almost immediately,” Darden said. “From there, the hardest part was coordinating the schedules of three incredibly busy people who routinely speak across the country.”
Once the slate of speakers was confirmed, other departments quickly joined Journalism, Public Relations & New Media as co-sponsors.
Day one included the panel discussing historical issues of systemic racism and the criminal justice system and a keynote speaker discussion featuring one of three keynote speakers for the event, Anthony Graves, the 138th exonerated death row inmate in America. He was wrongfully convicted and spent 18 years incarcerated before being exonerated and released, and he is now a dynamic speaker and author advocating for criminal justice reform.
“His story resonates with people from all walks of life.” Moody-Ramirez said. “He spoke with students in my Gender, Race and Media course two years ago, and I knew I wanted to bring him back to speak with a larger audience.”
Graves shared his ideas on the importance of speaking up when people are mistreated. In many instances, journalists play a role in helping to convict innocent people, he said.
“They should make sure they are not only sharing one side of the story without gathering all the facts,” he said. “I encourage future journalists to work harder to get to the truth.”
Osler, a professor of law at the University of St. Thomas and an advocate for clemency and better sentencing, and Bishop, a public defender who began advocating for criminal justice reform and mercy toward people convicted of crimes after the murder of her sister’s family also spoke. Osler’s advocacy for more equitable sentencing laws has taken him to the Supreme Court of the United States and to a host of national television programs.
Bishop’s two books, including one on the unlikely, but ultimately redemptive friendship between the father of convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and the father of one of McVeigh’s victims have helped create a national dialogue on mercy and forgiveness. Both spoke passionately and effectively in their presentations to the large audiences.
“The speakers provided a powerful and thorough overview of the criminal Justice system, potential solutions and future directions for students,” Darden, who co-directed the event with Moody-Ramirez, said.
“Each year, I offer extra credit opportunities to the 287 students in my FDM/JOU 1303. In 20 years, I’ve never had the level of feedback that this symposium generated. I sat on the podium and could see their faces and reactions. It was a powerful, moving two days for us all.”
The Baylor Student Government commendation followed. Baylor NABJ President Madison Walkes said that such acknowledgement of a campus event is rare.
“This type of acknowledgment is unexpected and very much appreciated. I am grateful for the Student Senate’s appreciation of this important program and topic,” Walkes said.
Shown is the legislation with the exact wording by its author Lily Davis.