Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, applauded President Joe Biden Thursday for pardoning Norwalk resident Sherranda Janell Harris, who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense nearly two decades ago.
Ms. Harris was one of 39 Americans pardoned by the president, who also granted commutations to 1,499 other people on Thursday.
“Too many Americans had their lives permanently disrupted by draconian drug policies in the 1990s and early 2000s,” Senator Duff said. “These policies disproportionately affected communities of color, creating barriers to education, housing, and employment for generations. Although I do not personally know Ms. Harris, it’s heartening to see a fellow Norwalk resident receive an opportunity for a fresh start. President Biden’s decision to grant her a pardon reflects compassion and a commitment to justice, and I commend him for helping people rebuild their lives.”
Ms. Harris, who is now 43 years old, was convicted of a non-violent drug offence when she was 24 years old, according to a statement from the White House. Since that conviction, Ms. Harris has maintained employment, has been an engaged parent, and has taken care of her fellow church parishioners. Ms. Harris has been described as a role model for young women in her community, the White House said.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” President Biden said in a press release. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.
“That is why, today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer,” President Biden said.
