Maryland’s Pardons Are a Landmark Step toward Racial Equity and Opportunity

This summer, in a historic move, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed an executive order granting 175,000 pardons for individuals convicted of marijuana possession. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and fostering racial equity in our state.

The implications of this order extend beyond the realm of criminal justice into areas such as employment and education, creating new opportunities for countless Maryland residents.

The war on drugs has disproportionately impacted communities of color, leading to higher rates of arrests, convictions, and incarcerations for minor drug offenses among African Americans and Latinos. Despite similar rates of marijuana use among different racial groups, Black Marylanders have been arrested at more than twice the rate of their white counterparts. This disparity has contributed to a cycle of disadvantage, perpetuating economic and social inequities.

This executive order is not merely a gesture of goodwill: it is a tangible action to dismantle the structural racism that has undermined the lives of so many individuals and families.

Governor Moore’s decision to pardon those convicted of marijuana possession is a bold acknowledgment of these systemic issues. In an interview with Hope Wiseman, Moore underlined the impact of the policy move: namely, that by expunging these records, the state is taking a crucial step towards addressing the racial disparities that have long plagued our criminal justice system. This executive order is not merely a gesture of goodwill: it is a tangible action to dismantle the structural racism that has undermined the lives of so many individuals and families.

A criminal record, even for a minor offense such as marijuana possession, can be a significant barrier to employment. Employers often conduct background checks, and a conviction can disqualify otherwise qualified candidates from job opportunities. With the expungement of these records, approximately 175,000 Marylanders will have a newfound opportunity to pursue gainful employment without the stigma of a criminal conviction. This can lead to a more inclusive workforce, where individuals are judged based on their skills and qualifications rather than their past mistakes. Moreover, the influx of talent into the job market can stimulate economic growth, benefiting businesses and communities across the state.

The expungements will also help many Marylanders in their educational journeys. Educational institutions often consider applicants’ criminal records during the admissions process. A marijuana conviction can thus hinder an individual’s ability to access higher education and vocational training. By removing these barriers, Governor Moore’s executive order opens the door for thousands of Marylanders to pursue educational opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Same Neighborhood, Different Worlds

My own life in Maryland has been a testament to the breadth and depth of the impact of racial equity-driven decisions like this one. The consequences for people who aren’t offered dignified choices, and the difference it makes for folks who are, result in lives that might as well be on different planets, and yet which began in the exact same general circumstances. I am an example of the latter. I have always been driven to better myself, but that in and of itself is not unique—I also was given encouragement and support at crucial points by positive role models in my life that expose me to other paths.

I have always been driven to better myself, but that in and of itself is not unique—I also was given encouragement and support at crucial points by positive role models in my life that expose me to other paths.

In the second grade, I had the opportunity to join an after school program called the U.S. Dream Academy. During my time in the program from ages 7 through 13, I was exposed to many attributes that allowed me to build my character and develop into my own identity. We learned about values, about what it’s like to dream and see a future where you are thriving. Due to the mentorship and encouragement I received as a Dream kid, I was exposed to a different lifestyle and network of people, and through them, I was able to become just the person I’d envisioned.

These positive influences in my life allowed me to have a different trajectory, and one governed by an expanded, self-directed vision to get to where I wanted to be in life. I never had to face challenges or mistakes alone. I had a village of mentors and role models who believed in me and my potential to do great things in the world. If every young person had the opportunity and resources at their disposal such as the ones that I had, I believe each one of us can reach our full potential.

If only those opportunities were uniformly available to every young person faced with the same challenges! For a couple of peers who weren’t so lucky, life has taken a different path. Growing up in the same neighborhood in Baltimore and attending the same elementary school, they faced similar challenges, but without the support and opportunities to steer clear of the pitfalls. While I was building my leadership skills in a safe classroom environment, these peers not only didn’t have a classroom to go to, they didn’t always have a safe home to go to either. Instead, they were left without structure or guidance on the street, the only adults around them being poor role models or people who were directly preying on them for labor or money.

We can see in this dichotomy between my experience and theirs that environmental circumstances played a huge role in one’s success: for these peers, oftentimes, they would have to choose whether to make money or go to school. Their potential was undeniable, but the structural barriers that define so many lives in underserved communities were difficult to overcome. Their stories are a reminder of how the environments available to us, whether we’re in search of shelter, guidance, or simple fun, can shape our trajectories in profound and lasting ways.

What the Pardons Make Possible

Education is a critical pathway to upward mobility, giving people the chance to acquire new skills and improve their socioeconomic status. With a clean slate, those previously convicted can now aspire to further their education, whether through college degrees, vocational training, or other educational programs. This can lead to better job prospects, higher earning potential, and a more educated workforce that can drive innovation and progress in our state.

The ripple effects of this executive order extend to the broader community. By alleviating the burdens of a criminal record, we can reduce recidivism rates and foster a more supportive environment for individuals reentering society. Families and communities that have been torn apart by the war on drugs can begin to heal, as more members are able to contribute positively to their surroundings.

Furthermore, this move sets a precedent for other states, highlighting Maryland as a leader in criminal justice reform and racial equity. It demonstrates that addressing past injustices and investing in our residents’ potential can lead to a more just and prosperous society for all.

Governor Wes Moore’s executive order granting 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions is a monumental step towards achieving racial equity and expanding opportunities for Marylanders. By addressing the racial disparities in our criminal justice system, unlocking employment prospects, enhancing educational opportunities, and strengthening our communities, this decision paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

There are many excellent possible next steps from here that would expand racial equity in a similar way: The Second Look Act, for example, would increase the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to receive a review of their convictions and receive parole or release sooner. As a policy entrepreneur at Next100, I look forward to sharing my analysis of other opportunities to build on this success.

By fully expunging these offenses, we can offer comprehensive relief, allowing individuals to truly rebuild their lives without the burden of past convictions.

As we advance criminal justice reform, one of the most critical next steps is to expand the expungement of misdemeanor drug offenses from public records. While pardons do provide a form of forgiveness, they do not remove the lasting stigma of a criminal record, which can hinder access to employment, housing, and education. By fully expunging these offenses, we can offer comprehensive relief, allowing individuals to truly rebuild their lives without the burden of past convictions. Maryland has taken a significant step forward, but the journey towards a fair and equitable society is ongoing. Let this executive order be a reminder of the power of progressive leadership and the enduring impact of fighting for systemic change.

Editor’s note: in the original publication, a statement was misattributed to Governor Wes Moore. On September 20, 2024, the statement was revised to reflect that while it describes Governor Moore’s perspective, it does not directly quote him.