Chastek Blawg

Everyone Deserves a Second Chance by David Salgado, J.D. Candidate, Class of 2022 Second Chance Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of what having a criminal conviction means for people once they are released. An organization called the “Prison Fellowship” founded Second Chance Month to raise awareness, improve perceptions of people with a criminal record, encourage second-chance opportunities, and advocate for policy changes that support people with criminal convictions transition back into society. In the U.S., 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal conviction. 1 in 3! Having a criminal conviction affects these adults in numerous ways. It affects their access to an education, jobs, housing, and other things necessary for a productive life. Even though these individuals might physically be outside of prison walls, they still face numerous challenges once they are released which can render their life outside the walls almost like a second prison. These challenges make it...

Your Voice Has Power  by David Salgado, J.D. Candidate, Class of 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (“SAAM”) is an annual campaign observed in April which aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and to educate both communities and individuals on how to address and prevent sexual violence. Each year during this month, individuals and organizations take action to highlight the importance of speaking up on this issue and advocating for one another. Through the years that SAAM has been observed, advocates, organizations, and survivors alike have made tremendous pushes for increased action to prevent sexual violence. Through these efforts, we have seen immense changes take place. One of the most prominent changes this advocacy has brought about is the creation and implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). This was the first law that required law enforcement to treat gender violence as a crime rather than a private family matter. VAWA also aimed to increase legal p...