Close Quote by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
“In terms of closing Rikers, we have to close Rikers, but we have to ensure that we're not just taking - that we're not continuing to incarcerate the same level of people. It doesn't do us much good if we close Rikers and then take that same amount of people and just distribute them to be incarcerated elsewhere.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional hearing on prison reform, 2023
Closing a jail must be paired with systemic change, not just relocating inmates.
In simple terms: Reform needs more than moving people.
Key Takeaway
Address root causes, not just facilities.
Themes
justice
reform
incarceration
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
policy
activist
When to use this quote
- community programs
- legislative advocacy
- rehabilitation services
Key Concepts
systemic inequality
policy redesign
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives can replace mass incarceration?
- How can communities support reintegration?
A Different Perspective
Political realities may limit immediate overhaul.
