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In Remembrance

Photo by Franz Jantzen, U. S. Supreme Court

U. S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on Sept. 18, 2020 after a legendary legal career.  She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Clinton after 13 years of service as a Justice on the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, DC Circuit.

In 1959 she graduated from Columbia University Law School after Harvard refused to grant her a degree because of her gender.  In 1972 after earning tenure at Rutgers Law School she founded the ACLU Women's Rights Council with the purpose of overturning historical patterns of gender discrimination in American society, business and employment.  Later she became General Council for the American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU). 

She fought tirelessly to advance civil rights. To many of us she was a hero. She carried a well earned knick name -"The Notorius RBG".  She was widely admired and respected - her passing is a huge loss for the nation.

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Personal Reflections

NACRJ President Sheryl Wilson shares a personal video message on NACRJ's Facebook page, refecting on the losses and many responses related to the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Wilson invites us to take a moment to become aware of our own breathing as a way to value life, specifically to value the life of Floyd whose breath was taken away.

Wilson's video message also captures the powerful connections made through NACRJ's recent virtual community circle (on Saturday June 6) that held space for people nationwide to process hard emotions and prepare for new ways to re-engage society. Twenty facilitators assisted with breakout groups, allowing for every participant (150) to share and listen from the heart.

NACRJ Executive Director Michael Gilbert also provides a personal statement of response, highlighting how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded our nation decades ago that "a riot is the language of the unheard." Gilbert's piece, "Can You Hear Me Now?" invites everyone to think more deeply about what we are hearing these days. 

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Notable Read

    A Restorative Perspective

by Ted Lewis, Duluth, July 2020

As protests have spread across our nation during the first half of the summer of 2020, the powerful chant, “No Justice, No Peace,” has been spreading as well. In the wake of racist violence from police, triggered anew by the killing of George Floyd, it was understandable to increasing numbers of people that something had to change. If there was ever to be real peace, it had to stem from real justice.

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Legislative News

The NACRJ Law and Policy Working Group is recruiting a team of legislators and advocates to participate in a national conference call to discuss strategic issues and moving forward with legislative advisement and advocacy. Contact Dr. Sandra Pavelka at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in participating in this important dialogue.

NACRJ is also showcasing good examples of Restorative Justice Legislation in three key areas: Juvenile Justice, Adult/Criminal Justice, and Educational Settings/Schools.^[i]

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