News & Commentary

Criminal Law Reform

Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma

After years of working collaboratively with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, we are proud to announce the end of indefinite solitary confinement for the vast majority of people incarcerated with death sentences in Oklahoma.

By Travis Handler

Latest Event

Kendrick Simpson's Clemency Hearing

Kendrick Simpson Clemency Hearing with the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 am. Mr. Simpson is scheduled for execution on February 12, 2026.

The clemency hearing is open to the public. You can attend in person or watch online via zoom. We highly encourage attendance in person as a show of support for Kendrick and his loved ones.

Attendance Information and Guidelines:

  • Clemency hearings typically run a bit over two hours. Each side's counsel has 40 minutes, the victim's family has 20 minutes, and the person who is incarcerated has 20 minutes. The Pardon and Parole Board can ask questions and discuss before voting.
  • Arrive early (15 minutes or more) to go through security and get a seat before the hearing begins.
  • You should bring your ID with you to sign in.
  • Cell phones are prohibited. You should not be on your phone or take any pictures during the hearing.

Zoom Information:
Web Address: https://doc-ok.zoomgov.com/j/1605301615
Webinar ID: 160 530 1615
Call: 1 669 254 5252 or +1 669 216 1590

For more info click here.

Childhood photos of Kendrick Simpson

More from the Press

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Nov 23, 2022

Election Denialism Lost in Key Midterm Races, but the Fight is Far From Over

Americans took firm stances against election denialism and voted to protect our democracy in the most vital races.

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Nov 23, 2022

20 Years Later, It’s Time to Overhaul the Department of Homeland Security

Chronic dysfunction and abuse within the agency call for a serious reckoning.

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Nov 23, 2022

Two Cups of Broth and Rotting Sandwiches: The Reality of Mealtime in Prisons and Jails

As many Americans gather for Thanksgiving feasts, incarcerated people daily consume nutritionally inadequate and unpalatable food.

A nutraloaf, a meal typically given to inmates for misbehavior.
Nov 21, 2022

“Keep Our Families Together”: A Law That Protects Native Families is at Risk

Two Native people share how the Indian Child Welfare Act impacted their lives as the law faces a challenge at the Supreme Court.

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Nov 21, 2022

Biden Administration Issues Policy Protecting Access to Abortion for Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth

We applaud this step, and urge the administration to ensure access to reproductive health care for all people in government custody.

Three women with raised fists, wearing masks with "BAN OFF OUR BODIES" printed on them and carrying a purple banner, lead other protestors at the Women's March Rally For Abortion Justice In Washington, D.C.
Nov 15, 2022

Three Key Criminal Legal Reform Takeaways from the 2022 Midterms

Despite tough-on-crime rhetoric, voters drove significant progress in prison labor reform, drug policy, and prosecutorial reform.

Four people, with their faces and bodies hidden behind voting privacy shields, are casting their votes for the midterm elections on Election Day November 08, 2081 in a New York City public school.
Nov 11, 2022

Our Veterans Need Support, Not Incarceration

Investing in community-based treatment instead of locking people up for the psychological wounds of war would honor veterans.

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Nov 07, 2022

For People with Disabilities on Parole and Probation, Accessible Communication is Essential

Our clients were repeatedly denied sign language interpretation necessary to understand the conditions of their release. They paid the price with their freedom.

An American Sign Language interpreter interpreting at an anti-racism rally and march.
Nov 04, 2022

Extreme Politicians Want to Ban Abortion. We Can Stop Them.

We’re fighting abortion bans in the courts. We need your help at the ballot box.

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