Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Presidential Action to Commute Inhumane Crack-Cocaine Prison Sentences

Washington, D.C. – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the commutation of sentences for eight individuals convicted under discriminatory sentencing laws that punished individuals with offenses related to crack cocaine at a rate 100 times more punitive than if they had been sentenced for powder cocaine, a pharmacologically identical drug. The sentencing disparity between these two drugs was narrowed to 18-1 by the Fair Sentencing Act, signed by President Obama in 2010:

“Today’s action sends an unmistakable message to the nation that we desperately need reforms to our inhumane, discriminatory, and costly criminal justice system.

Across the country, Republicans and Democrats have come together to call for smart, moral, and cost-effective sentencing reforms to our criminal justice system. Today’s action by the President is another indication that momentum is on the side of responsible reform that honors the dignity of all Americans. 

The inhumane 100-1 sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine has created a modern day caste system in America where millions of people –disproportionately African Americans and Latinos – are imprisoned for an inhumane length of time at a significant cost to the nation. 

The Fair Sentencing Act narrowed this disparity to a still alarmingly high 18-1, but did nothing to help the millions of Americans trapped behind bars with inhumane sentences. Legislation currently before Congress, including the Smarter Sentencing Act sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Lee (R-UT), would make this reform retroactive for people like those whose sentences were commuted today. 

Attorney General Holder’s ‘Smart on Crime’ initiative, announced earlier this year, was the most significant proposal ever put forth by the Justice Department to reform this disastrous system. Today’s action by President Obama underscores that this administration is serious about righting this horrible wrong.

Until there is legislative action to make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive, these commutations are the only relief available to federal inmates and their families. But the administration can only do so much; it is up to Congress to address this systemic failure. 

We thank President Obama for his leadership on this issue and call on Congress to swiftly approve the Smarter Sentencing Act.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.