A study shows that Black and Hispanic people in New York state prisons are more likely to be denied parole compared to whites, a disparity that has worsened since 2016. The New York Parole Board has released fewer people of color compared to white individuals, and the racial bias in parole decisions has increased in recent years. Despite efforts to diversify the board, the racial disparities persist. Proposed legislation aims to reform the parole system to focus on an individual’s readiness for release and current risk to public safety, rather than just the nature of their conviction.
Racial Disparities in New York State Parole System: A Closer Look
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged within the New York State parole system, with Black and Hispanic individuals facing significant challenges in securing parole compared to their white counterparts. This issue has been highlighted in a new study conducted by the New York University School of Law’s Center for Race, Inequality & the Law. The study reveals that from January through June 2024, the parole board released 34.79% of people of color, while letting out 48.71% of white individuals.
The report underscores a disturbing reality – the gap in parole approval rates between white and minority individuals has widened over the past three years. Since Governor Kathy Hochul took office in 2021, 1,338 fewer Black and Hispanic individuals would be incarcerated if they were granted parole at the same rate as white individuals. This alarming disparity has raised concerns about racial bias and fairness within the parole system.
The racial inequality in parole decisions has only worsened over time, despite efforts to address the issue. While the parole board has become more diverse in terms of representation, with a composition that includes six Blacks, three Hispanics, one Asian, one Egyptian, and five whites, the data shows that minority individuals are still disproportionately denied parole compared to their white counterparts.
The report indicates that from 2016 to 2021, 33.45% of people of color were approved for release by the parole board, whereas 40.39% of white individuals were granted parole during the same period. Moreover, from 2022 to 2024, the parole board was 32.28% less likely to release a person of color than a white person, indicating a troubling trend of racial bias in parole decision-making.
One poignant example of the impact of racial disparities in the parole system is the case of a Black parolee who served over 26 years for a kidnapping and manslaughter case involving an abusive spouse. Despite demonstrating significant personal growth and rehabilitation during her incarceration, she faced repeated denials before being released through the Domestic Violence Survivors Act in 2019. Her experience underscores the challenges faced by minority individuals seeking parole.
The parole board relies on an assessment system known as Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) to evaluate individuals’ readiness for release. However, concerns have been raised about the potential bias in the assessment process. In some cases, individuals like the aforementioned parolee have been deemed safe for release based on the COMPAS assessment, yet were repeatedly denied parole citing the nature of their original crime.
Criminal justice reform advocates and legislators have called for a revamp of the parole system to address racial disparities and promote fairness in parole decisions. Proposed legislation such as the Fair and Timely Parole Act aims to refocus parole determinations on an individual’s readiness for release and current risk to public safety, rather than solely on the nature of their conviction.
Additionally, advocates have pushed for measures like Elder Parole, which would make individuals aged 55 or older who have served at least 15 years in prison eligible for a parole hearing. While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about releasing serious offenders, proponents argue that the parole board would still have discretion to deny parole to individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
State legislators, including Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, have emphasized the need for parole reform to address the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration on Black and Brown communities. By advocating for fair and timely parole practices, lawmakers seek to create a more equitable and just parole system that considers individuals’ rehabilitation and readiness to return to society.
In conclusion, the racial disparities in the New York State parole system underscore the urgent need for reform to promote fairness, equity, and justice for all individuals seeking parole. By addressing systemic biases and promoting transparency in parole decision-making, policymakers can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable criminal justice system for all New Yorkers.
Source: TheCity.NYC
