On March 29th, 2025 the Carceral State Project held a one day symposium focussed on the evolving landscape of criminal-legal reform in Michigan. Attendees learned about the historical context and current struggles against harsh criminalization, surveillance, and incarceration in Michigan and heard directly from some of the state’s leading advocacy organizations about their ongoing legislative and grassroots efforts. Each organization will detail recent achievements and current campaigns around ending mass incarceration in Michigan. Following the panels, attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops and learn directly from those working on the ground. Community advocates across Michigan offered tools and techniques for effective grassroots activism. Check out the full program at the bottom of the page.
Panels
Panel 1: The Legacy of Michigan’s Punitive Sentencing Laws
John Cooper: Executive Director, Safe & Just Michigan Deborah LaBelle: American Civil Liberties Union Ronnie Walters: Community Engagement Specialist for Safe & Just Michigan Matt Lassiter: (Moderator) U-M History Professor
Panel 2: Transforming Juvenile Justice
Jason Smith: Michigan Center for Youth Justice Senator Jeff Irwin: D-Ann Arbor Jose Burgos: Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Jackie Lauer: (Moderator) U-M History Kate Markey: Moderator) U-M History
Panel 3: Ending Perpetual Punishment
Natalie Holbrook-Combs: Director, AFSC–Michigan Criminal Justice Pete Martel: Program Coordinator, AFSC–Michigan Criminal Justice Adalia Kirby: Program Coordinator, Ending Life and Long Sentences, AFSC-Michigan Criminal Justice Tony Grant: Advocate Stephen Cassidy Jones: Research Fellow, Carceral State Project
Workshops
“How to Talk to Your Legislator?”
What is Justice: How to Change the Narrative
Realities of Re-Entry
Program
Organizations Participating as Panelists and Workshops
Sponsors
