U.S. Pardon Attorney Joins The National Council and Advocates at White House Vigil Calling for Clemency

In a powerful show of unity, Liz Oyer, the U.S. Pardon Attorney, joined The National Council, advocates, and formerly incarcerated women at the White House on Tuesday, December 17th, to support the two-day "Demand for Clemency" vigil.

This vigil, held on Tuesday, December 17th, was a poignant reminder of the urgent need for justice and reform. It showcased the extraordinary stories of individuals like Michelle West, Lazara Ordaz, Sara Gallegos, Glenn Metz, Connie Edwards, and Roberta Bell, who have demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, some over more than thirty years of incarceration. The call to the Biden administration was clear: Act now on your promise of justice and reform, ensuring that clemency serves its intended purpose of righting systemic wrongs and providing second chances to those who have earned them.

Attendees stood in solidarity with those who are still behind bars, amplifying the voices of women who deserve freedom after decades of unnecessary incarceration and asked President Biden to give these women a second chance.

The vigil was a platform for testimonies from individuals directly impacted by incarceration, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of outdated sentencing policies. Organizers made a point to underscore the immense power the president holds when it comes to his pardoning power, emphasizing that clemency isn't a gift but a tool. It isn't just about forgiveness but also about redemption and racial justice.

For more information, please contact:

The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and GirlsYour

E: agoode@thecouncil.us