UW-Madison Group Links 12-to-1 Arrest Gap to Proposed Jail Reductions

Students Against Mass Incarceration (SAMI), a new organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, held a criminal justice reform panel at Union South on Oct. 7. The group examined the intersection of homelessness, education, and race within the state's justice system.

Dr. David Pate, a professor of consumer science, human development and family studies at UW-Madison, moderated the event. Vice President Gabriel Meyer-Herron stated that the organization aims to foster a "comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system in Madison" and create a space for public discourse. SAMI has planned several events for the year, including a visit to the Dane County Jail.

Panelists presented data on incarceration demographics. Shar-ron Buie, data and evaluation coordinator for the Dane County Office of Justice and Reform, reported that Black Wisconsinites are 12 times more likely to be arrested than white residents. She noted that this statistic gives Wisconsin the second-highest Black-white incarceration disparity in the United States.

UW-Madison law professor Ion Meyn contextualized the disparity historically. He argued that after chattel slavery, white institutions preserved elements of racism while opposing the practice. Meyn compared current incarceration rates to the 1820s, noting the rate was then 1 in 10. He stated that the current 1-in-12 figure means society is "doing worse than Jim Crow."

The discussion addressed the proposed Dane County jail consolidation project. The plan merges outdated downtown facilities into a new tower attached to the Dane County Public Safety building. It reduces bed capacity from 1,013 to 825 and seeks to eliminate or reduce solitary confinement. James Morgan, a community organizer with Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity and Solidarity for Criminal Legal System Reform, called the plan "totally inadequate." He argued it will worsen outcomes for people with mental health issues and alcoholism.

Morgan also criticized policymakers for focusing on the wrong issues as the population grows over the next 10 to 20 years. He stated, "They're not talking about adequate housing." Wisconsin Public Defender Benjamin Gonring addressed recidivism, noting a 24.5% gap in recidivism rates between 20- to 24-year-olds and those over 45 in 2016. He emphasized that young people need investment and at least one person who tells them what they can become.

The panel concluded with a discussion on university labor practices. Morgan was asked about statutes requiring a share of university supplies to be produced through prison labor via Badger State Industries. He urged the audience to "expose them" and said such workplaces need a living wage, accountability practices, and reintegration support. Meyn closed by asking if publicizing crimes is itself racist, answering his own question with "yes."