In 1996, 26-year-old Danielle Metz entered prison and thought she’d never leave. She had been given three life sentences plus 20 years for helping her then-husband traffic cocaine. Her second chance came when President Barack Obama granted her clemency in 2016. Vowing to not waste it, Metz applied to the Southern University of New Orleans and was accepted at 50 years old.
It’s a remarkable story, and one that lends itself to the “ban the box” movement, which aims to prohibit public universities and colleges from asking whether an applicant has a criminal record. Kim Kardashian West has also played an instrumental role in criminal justice reform, working with President Trump to free inmates put away for minor crimes and enhance rehabilitation once they get out. As of May, Kardashian West helped free 17 prisoners in 90 days.
Thanks to “ban the box,” the First Step Act, and and other reforms, the criminal justice system is becoming more forgiving. This is vital if we are to break the cycle of regular incarceration and recidivism.
Obama, with just one signature, changed Metz’s life. “You don’t know what you did for me,” Metz imagined telling him, according to USA Today. “I’m finally coming into my own. I made the honor roll.”
Obama responded in a heartfelt, handwritten letter: “I am so proud of you, and am confident that your example will have a positive impact for others who are looking for a second chance. Tell your children I say hello, and know that I’m rooting for all of you.”
When it came to criminal justice reform, Obama set an important example that shows why the White House is the best place from which to lead this charge. Throughout his presidency, he issued 1,715 commutations, 504 of which were life sentences, and 212 were pardons. Most of the individuals he granted clemency were criminals, such as Metz, who had been convicted on drug charges. He also authorized a pilot program that allowed a small number of incarcerated persons to use grant money to pay for classes. Sixty-seven colleges enrolled in the program, and they collectively offer more than 1,000 courses. More than 600 incarcerated people have earned degrees in prison because of this program. It could become permanent if reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators, passes Congress.
The White House can and should lead the charge. Thus far, Trump has only issued 10 pardons and four commutations. He should do more, and hopefully his recent summit with Kardashian West is an indication that he will in the coming days.
For a society to be just, it must also be merciful. The founders believed the president was the best person to determine what that mercy looked like. Not only is the president charged with executing the laws, but they are also given the pardoning power to decide when those laws should give way to charity.
When Metz stood before the jury that had found her guilty, U.S. District Judge A.J. McNamara told her, “I hope that by the sentence you receive, others who might be tempted to follow your path of crime will have second thoughts.”
“It was as if I died right then and there,” Metz said.
Punishment is necessary when the law is broken. But our justice system wields too heavy a hand too often. This buys vindictiveness, not deterrence.
In February, Metz spoke at a graduation ceremony for people finishing a reentry program offered by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. “I know how y’all feel with them cap and gowns on,” she said, “because when I got my GED, that was the best achievement for me.”
