Brown Bag - Closing Rikers Island: Challenges to Criminal Justice Reform

Two years after the New York City Council voted to shut down Rikers Island by 2026, the notorious jail complex still houses more than 6,000 people. With the closure delayed until 2027, the effort remains a complex endeavor fraught with logistical challenges and opposition from community leaders across the political spectrum.

Join us on Wednesday, October 13 at 1:30 PM for Closing Rikers Island: Challenges to Criminal Justice Reform for a conversation exploring New York City’s effort to not only close Rikers Island, but to reduce the city’s incarceration rate through the implementation of crime prevention efforts.

Speakers:

• Marcelino Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Programs at Horizons Juvenile Center for the Center for Community Alternatives
• Dr. Calvin John Smiley, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Roosevelt House Faculty Associate, Hunter College
• Nick E. Smith, First Deputy Public Advocate, Office of the New York City Public Advocate
• Dr. Basil A. Smikle Jr., Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program at Roosevelt House, Hunter College (Moderator)

This event will be held in person at Roosevelt House.