Cannabis Reform : Criminal Expungement and Racial Disparity

The Institute, in partnership with the Center for Public Interest Law at the DePaul University College of Law will hold a forum to explore issues around how cannabis reform can impact the community, particularly the minority community, through the expungement process, and open avenues for entry into the now legalized cannabis economy.

The criminal expungement process is of particular interest, as the logistics, timetable and real-world impact are likely to become increasingly important as the legislation comes into effect on January 1, 2020.

The social equity program and community college job training components are also of relevance and interest to this discussion.

“Cannabis Reform” guest speakers will be Majority Deputy Leader Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (Illinois State Representative, 92nd District); Kristina Kaupa, policy advisor for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; and Esther Franco-Payne, executive director of the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic. Shaye Loughlin, Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law, will moderate.