The Landscape of Criminal-Legal Reform in Michigan: Carceral State Project Symposium 2025

Free event, open to the public with catered lunch
Space is limited, pre-registration is suggested

Join us for a day-long symposium on the evolving landscape of criminal-legal reform in Michigan. Attendees can expect to learn about the historical context and current struggles against harsh criminalization, surveillance, and incarceration in Michigan and hear directly from some of the state’s leading advocacy organizations about their ongoing legislative and grassroots efforts. Speak with related student organizations tabling during the networking lunch. Following the panels, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and learn directly from those working on the ground. Community advocates across Michigan will offer tools and techniques for effective grassroots activism.

Panels:
“The Legacy of Michigan’s Punitive Sentencing Laws”
Featuring: John Cooper (Executive Director, Safe & Just Michigan); Deborah LaBelle (American Civil Liberties Union) Ronnie Waters (Community Engagement Specialist, Safe & Just Michigan)

“Transforming Juvenile Justice”
Featuring: Jason Smith (Executive Director, Michigan Center for Youth Justice), Jose Burgos (Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth), Senator Jeff Irwin

“Ending Perpetual Punishment”
Featuring: Natalie Holbrook-Combs (Director, AFSC–Michigan Criminal Justice), Pete Martel (Program Coordinator, AFSC–Michigan Criminal Justice), Tony Gant, Adalia Kirby (Program Coordinator, Ending Life and Long Sentences, AFSC-Michigan Criminal Justice)

Workshops:
“How to Talk to Your Legislator” – John Cooper/Safe & Just Michigan
“What is Justice? How to Change the Narrative” – Natalie Holbrook-Combs and Pete Martel/AFSC
“Realities of Reentry” – Michael Taylor/MI-CEMI

All are invited to attend a Closing Reception with refreshments and tour the PCAP Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. Transportation to/from the gallery will be provided.

The Carceral State Project (CSP) is an interdisciplinary collaboration designed to bring impacted communities and advocacy organizations together with researchers from the University of Michigan. Our mission is to document and challenge the historical and contemporary processes of criminalization, policing, incarceration, immigrant detention, and other forms of carceral control in the state of Michigan and beyond.

Time: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm