Posted on May 6th, 2009

ACLU of Texas Opposes Perkins Appointment to Pardons and Paroles Board

Appointee Lacks Qualifications, Experience

Contact: Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU of Texas, (512) 478-7300 x 106; dgriffith@aclutx.org

AUSTIN – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas has informed Gov. Rick Perry that it opposes the nomination of Shanda G. Perkins to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, a body that has a major impact on what is one of the two largest state prison systems in the United States.

In a letter signed by Policy Director Rebecca Bernhardt, the ACLU tells Gov. Perry that “…Ms. Perkins appears to have no relevant qualifications for the position and no identifiable experience in the area of corrections policy.”

Furthermore, Ms. Perkins only identifiable experience with the criminal justice system has been in leading the charge in creating a Texas law that was later found unconstitutional by a federal court.

Ms. Perkins’ lack of qualifications – particularly when compared to the qualifications of those already on the board – “will fail to promote fairness on the parole board or confidence in the criminal justice system,” Bernhardt wrote. “We therefore respectfully ask that her nomination be withdrawn and a candidate with a background more suited to the position be offered in her place.”

Download Bernhardt's letter to Gov. Perry (PDF format)