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August 12, 2007
Western MA: Letter to the Editor in Support of Work Opportunities for People With Criminal Records
News and information for Saturday, August 11, 2007
Letter to the editor published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette
Put the focus on rehabilitation, not punishment
To the editor:
I would like to respond to the Aug. 2 Gazette article about Talib Sadiq, the newly hired guidance counselor at Amherst Regional Middle School. In my opinion, the Amherst School Department ought to be commended for conducting such a thoughtful, thorough hiring process and for having the courage to pick Talib Sadiq. Although he has a criminal history stemming from a bank robbery in 1993, prior to that he was in the armed forces in Desert Storm, and since then he has reportedly transformed his life.
As a social worker at the VA in Northampton, I have the privilege of knowing many veterans who have committed crimes and who are working to turn their lives around. Especially with a criminal history of any kind, which is documented in the CORI reports that are mandated by most employers and many housing agencies, even veterans (and non-veterans) who have made great strides toward self-improvement often have almost insurmountable obstacles to getting decent employment and housing.
Sometimes people make poor decisions which can have huge and unintended consequences. Yes, some are career criminals with sociopathic tendencies. However, most frequently these mistakes are made in the midst of extreme situational stress, mental health issues, substance abuse, dire economic straits, or a combination of these factors. Many make great efforts to return to a normal life. Unfortunately our culture emphasizes punishment over rehabilitation.
As a society we all win when those who have committed crimes can be reintegrated as full and worthy individuals. Mr. Sadiq will now be in a unique position to model and pave the way for others. For those who have made mistakes that ended in a criminal conviction Mr. Sadiq shows that patience, perseverance hard work and honesty can yield results.
Carmen Junno
Florence
Posted by lois at August 12, 2007 11:50 AM