Biden Seeks to Correct Historical Wrongs by Commuting 2,500 Sentences

With one bold stroke of his pen, President Joe Biden hopes to finally correct the historical and devastating blunder of his 1994 Crime Bill that disproportionately affected African Americans. Biden announced on Friday that he has commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. The decision marked the broadest use of clemency powers by any U.S. president, specifically targeting those who were disproportionately affected by harsh sentencing laws of the past that many, including Biden, now acknowledge as discriminatory and unjust. The White House said that Biden’s action addresses the disparities in sentencing, particularly those resulting from the unequal treatment of crack versus powder cocaine offenses. “These individuals were handed disproportionately long sentences compared to what they would face today under current laws,” Biden stated. “With today’s action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.” The decision to commute the sentences is part of Biden’s broader efforts to rectify the racial injustices that have long plagued the U.S. criminal justice system. The move aligns with legislative reforms such as the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, which aim to reduce disparities and correct historical wrongs. Reflecting...