BARS creates a space for anti-carceral advocacy at Penn.
The goal of this organization is to create a space on Penn’s campus in which students can engage in dialogues relating to criminal justice. This group will encourage discussions outside of a classroom setting, and additionally focus on topics relating to current events. By framing the organization’s agenda around political action that can be taken on the local level, it is our hope to generate a g
03/17/2022
We are proud to announce Beyond Arrests’ Spring 2022 conference entitled Reimagining Reentry: Bridging the Gap for Returning Citizens. Join us for a morning Keynote, community panel, documentary screening, and a moderated conversation on the political struggle of returning citizens for the currently and formerly incarcerated. Catered lunch and dinner provided.
Registration is required. Link in bio.
11/17/2021
BARS is looking for students with a penchant for event planning and in interest in dismantling the carceral state to join our conference committee! Applications are due Wednesday, November 24 by 11:59 PM. You can apply at http://tinyurl.com/bars2022conference.
08/31/2021
Hi everyone, welcome back to school! Here is some information about BARS Fall '21 board and committee applications that have opened today. The link is in our Linktree, which is attached to this message, so make sure to give it a look if you have any interest at all. Please reach out if you have any questions. We are so excited for this year, good luck everyone!!
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondarrests
03/04/2021
MOHIELDIN: In the midst of one of the deadliest epidemics in U.S. history, Pennsylvania’s government has been violently unforgiving towards its prison population.
Read the BARS Publication's next article, featuring an interview with Perelman School of Medicine Professor Dr. Harald Schmidt!
With Vaccine Rollout Underway, Pennsylvania Needs to Prioritize the Health of its Prison Population In the midst of one of the deadliest epidemics in U.S. history, Pennsylvania’s government has been violently unforgiving towards its prison population. At the same time, the state has allowed insti…
02/21/2021
Thank you to all those who attended the BARS Conference! As we spotlighted throughout the weekend, BARS’ suggested donation for attendees is Anthony, or “Ant” Smith’s legal defense committee. Anthony is a West Philadelphia educator, beloved community member, and key organizer and volunteer at multiple organizations throughout the city. He’s well known for his dedication as an empathetic peacemaker and advocate on behalf of disenfranchised community members.
Last fall, Anthony was arrested by federal officers and taken from his home based on his alleged involvement in arson during a Black Lives Matter protest in May. Following a long history of state repression of dissent, the Justice Department decided to charge him under federal law, despite Ant maintaining his innocence and receiving a national outpouring of support for his freedom.
BARS is suggesting that if possible, attendees donate to Anthony’s legal fundraiser in order to pay for his lawyer as well as expert witnesses before his trial. Anthony has always fought for the Philadelphia community, and when he is targeted, it’s our duty to fight for him. You can donate via PayPal or Cashapp!
Paypal:
paypal.me/freeantPHL
Cashapp:
$freeantPHL
Resources to learn more about state repression of dissent and Ant's case:
https://theintercept.com/2020/10/30/federal-prosecutors-protests-pretrial-detention/
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-police-car-fire-anthony-smith-arson-charges-released-from-detention-20201106.html
https://whyy.org/articles/hes-nonviolent-friends-family-of-arrested-west-philly-activist-rally-to-rebuke-federal-charges/
Friends of arrested West Philly activist Anthony Smith rally to call for his release Activist and school teacher Anthony Smith was arrested Wednesday on federal charges. At a West Philly rally, his friends say it’s a political stunt and that he’s innocent.
02/20/2021
Our keynote speaker, Mariame Kaba, is addressing the conference today at 3PM EST! Register for free at bit.ly/BARS-2021 if you haven't already!
01/26/2021
Spring committee applications are OUT! Visit https://linktr.ee/beyondarrests and fill out the quick Google Forms to apply to our Publication, Community Engagement, and/or Political teams. We can't wait to welcome new members!
Publication Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 7 at 11:59PM ET
Community Engagement/Political Deadline: Rolling