The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and a criminal justice system in which African Americans and Latinos are much more likely than whites to be stopped, arrested, charged with crimes, and serve long prison sentences.   What impact does this have on Houston and our country, why should we care and what can we do about it?

These questions will be examined at ADL’s Women’s Initiative Breakfast: “Breaking the Prison Cycle,” an examination of the need for criminal justice reform.

The breakfast takes place at 8 a.m. Thursday, September 22  at the Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX 77027.

It will feature:

• Ashley Hanna, President, Action Now Initiative
• Jennifer Herring, Director of Reentry Services, Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Kathryn M. Kase, Executive Director, Texas Defender Service
• Sandra Guerra Thompson, Professor, Director, Criminal Justice Institute, University of Houston Law Center
• Moderated by Cheryl Drazin, Jean and Jerry Moore ADL Southwest Area Counsel

The ADL Women’s Initiative unites diverse women professionals in ADL’s efforts to promote respect and challenge bigotry through dialogue and action. ADL has long championed justice and fair treatment for all, including equality for women.

For more information or to set up coverage, e-mail Dena Marks at dmarks@adl.org or call her at 832-975-8310 or 832-567-8843.