Across the country, businesses are recognizing their role – and their responsibility – when it comes to fixing America’s broken justice system. The cruelty, waste and racism that pervade it are increasingly being understood as the most pressing social issue facing a generation, and companies are realizing that engaging on the issue isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s existential.
Consumers, investors and employees increasingly demand it. Six-in-ten Americans now say it’s no longer acceptable for businesses to remain silent on social justice issues. They also reward companies accordingly – 67% say they would be likely to purchase products from a company that speaks out.
But where to start? Many companies – and their leaders – understand the gravity and urgency of the situation and want to help but aren’t sure how to engage authentically and impactfully in such an understandably charged and sensitive arena. This is where the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice comes in.
Founded by former death penalty defense lawyer Celia Ouellette, RBIJ is non-profit dedicated to helping companies champion fairness and equality in systems of punishment and incarceration. They engage and deliver business support for reform campaigns across the range of justice issues, and across the United States – including Ohio. Just last year they coordinated business backing for the successful banning of Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentencing in the state, which was signed into law in January.
The ASBC and its members have already been critical in fighting discrimination and cruelty in justice systems. Their decision in April to expel Barclays and refund membership dues directly led to the bank pulling out of a private prison expansion financing deal in Alabama – a deal which would have perpetuated the documented human rights abuses that continue in the state’s prisons to this day. That expansion project is now perilously close to collapsing.
In Ohio, businesses can make the difference yet again. This year has already seen campaigns on issues like bail reform and capital punishment gain unprecedented momentum. Just last week we saw a proponent hearing on the death penalty, making it the first time a bipartisan bill on abolition has made it that far in either legislative chamber. Companies – and their leaders – will be crucial in pushing these efforts over the line. If you would like to find out more about how you or your business can get involved, please get in touch with RBIJ at https://www.responsiblebusinessinitiative.org or by emailing silas@responsiblebusinessinitiative.org
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