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Illinois Released White Inmates at Higher Rates in Coronavirus Pandemic | NBC 5 Chicago

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Illinois Released White Inmates at Higher Rates in Coronavirus Pandemic | NBC 5 Chicago

By Emily Hoerner and Carlos Ballesteros of Injustice Watch, NBC 5 Chicago

White inmates in Illinois are having their sentences shortened during the coronavirus pandemic at a higher rate than Black inmates, an analysis of public data by a prison reform group shows.

State officials released about 3,400 people early from Illinois prisons between March 1 and June 4, according to a report published Wednesday by the Chicago-based group, Restore Justice.

Less than half (46%) of inmates released early were Black, even though Black inmates make up 54% of the state prison population. Meanwhile, 43% of inmates who were released early were white, even though whites make up about 32% of the prison population, according to the Restore Justice report.

Featured Image, David Leventi Photography
Full article @ NBC 5 Chicago