Willimantic, Conn – On Nov. 12, Lara Herscovitch, deputy director of Connecticut’s juvenile justice system, came to Eastern Connecticut State University to show a CPTV documentary called “The Color of Justice.”
Prior to the documentary, Herscovitch touched upon some information on the juvenile justice system. She explained that a great deal of work needs to be done to make changes in the system. “We make snap judgments about people all the time. Acting on the wrong assumption can impact future success,” said Herscovitch.
Herscovitch discussed the concept of stereotypes and the role these judgments play in the juvenile system. “Children of color do the same things white kids do. But we treat kids of color more harshly,” she said.
The main portion of the University Hour was “The Color of Justice” documentary, which portrayed the inequalities in the juvenile justice system and the judgments police officers make in regards to race.
Herscovitch showed this documentary and provided the students with information on what they can do to get fair and equal treatment for children in Connecticut. “We need to raise questions of fundamental fairness and the color of justice,” said Herscovitch.