March 30-April 1, 2017
Presented in partnership with the Criminology, Law and Society Department
at the University of St. Thomas, Houston

Join the Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas for a three day symposium exploring the human rights issues associated with the criminal justice system in the United States. Learn more about the legacy of this complex system in our country and how individuals and community organizations are working together for equitable and sustainable reform.

The symposium will offer workshops, panels and keynote addresses featuring academics, activists, religious leaders, artists, criminal justice reform experts, and formerly incarcerated and their families.

Featured Keynote Speakers:
Professor Margaret Burnham, Northeastern University Law School
Vincent Schiraldi, Senior Research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University

Other presenters include: Anthony Graves, activist and Death Row Exoneree 138; Dolores Canales, co-founder of California Families Against Solitary Confinement (CFASC); Dr. Robert LaCarra, University of St. Thomas Criminology Department; Nicole Casarez, University of Houston Law Center/University of St. Thomas; Rev. Ron Stief, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture; State Senator John Whitmire; State Representative James White; Charles Rotramel, Houston reVision; Sandra Guerra Thompson, Criminal Justice Institute, University of Houston Law Center; Terri Burke, ACLU of Texas; Mimi Marziani, Texas Civil Rights Project; Brandon Dudley, Chief of Staff for Commissioner Rodney Ellis Harris County Precinct One; Jay Jenkins, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, and more.

Also included: A powerful virtual reality experience that places viewers inside a U.S. solitary confinement prison cell will be presented by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Poetry performed by Writers in the Schools (WITS).

This symposium is generously supported by Hank Coleman, Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, the Law Offices of Foreman, DeGuerin & DeGuerin, and an anonymous donor.

Thursday, March 30th 
7pm — Keynote address from professor Margaret Burnham, Professor of Law and African-American Studies at Northeastern University School of Law. The program will be followed by a reception on the Plaza.

Friday, March 31st, all day
8:15-5pm — Continental breakfast, two morning sessions at RC, lunch and two afternoon sessions at UST
7pm — Keynote address from Vincent Schiraldi, Senior Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University. The program will be followed by a reception on the Plaza.

Saturday, April 1st, all day
9-3:30pm — Continental breakfast, one morning session at RC, one morning session, lunch and two afternoon sessions at UST

Thanks to sponsors this is a no-charge event. Given the quality of speakers, meals provided, and conference materials, your donation is greatly appreciated to support the Rothko Chapel.