By Akhil Raj, lead engineer on the Racial Justice Act Tool
A year ago, I embarked on an incredible journey that has significantly shaped my professional and personal aspirations. I joined the Paper Prisons team, driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to leveraging technology for societal betterment. My inspiration to do so came even earlier, during my time as a student analyst with the Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) while pursuing my master’s in computer science at Santa Clara University, where I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals making a profound impact on the lives of people. Witnessing their work deepened my resolve to use my skills for positive change.
After graduating, I was fortunate to continue my work with Professor Colleen Chien and the Paper Prisons team. Our collaboration marked a natural progression in my journey and provided an opportunity to contribute towards the development of the Racial Justice Act (RJA) tool. For me the project was not just about technology; it was about empowering communities, fostering transparency, and promoting racial equity within the justice system.
The RJA tool is designed to explore and highlight racial disparities in arrests, court actions, convictions, and sentences across California. We’ve created a user-friendly website to engage and empower users with this information. My hope is that the RJA tool becomes integral in the fight for a more just society, supporting advocates, policymakers, and community members with clear, data-driven insights.
Working with the Paper Prisons team has been incredibly rewarding. Each day, I’m inspired by our collective dedication to making a difference. As we continue refining the RJA tool, I’m excited about the positive change it can bring. I invite you to explore our website, learn about our work, and join our mission to eradicate racial injustice in the legal system.
