My name is Keyonna and I’m starting this petition on behalf of my husband Santi Gripper. He has been incarcerated for the past 18 years in Ohio Department of Corrections. He hasn’t been able to see his children or his 2 year old granddaughter. His mom passed away in 2021 from the coronavirus and he was unable to attend her funeral. His last conversation with his mom was through video chat. Santi had to do the hard thing and take his mom off of life support over the phone. He still hasn’t been able to see or visit his mother’s grave site. My husband took the life of another man he thought was hurting a woman. Everyday he has to live with the consequences of his actions. His actions could have very well stopped a woman from being beaten or worse. Santi made a terrible mistake and  he has been paying for that mistake for 18 years. A mistake that can happen to anyone. The conditions inside of the prison are horrible. Black mold, drugs, people dying and not getting the proper medical care.  The food is horrible.Santi was given 15 years to life.  Last year, he got a chance to be heard by the parole board for his release after serving his mandatory 15 year sentence - a chance that felt nothing more than a formality. Not only was he restricted from speaking freely, but also some members of the board paid no heed to his answers. The outcome was disheartening - an additional 7 years to his term. This experience arises questions about the effectiveness and sensitivity of the parole hearing process. 

Many individuals serving time in U.S. prisons today, have stories similar to my husband-their pleas fall on deaf ears, and their chances for parole reduced to a superficial exercise. Studies indicate that more than 50% of parole hearings are unsuccessful (*source: Bureau of Justice Statistics*). This indicates a systemic issue with the parole review process which seems to err on the side of continued incarceration rather than rehabilitation.

Hence, this petition calls for a reform in the parole boards across the American Penal System, asking them to exercise more leniency, and provide a fair and attentive hearing to those up for parole. We encourage the U.S. officials to look into this matter and implement strategies to ensure that every hearing is given just consideration and every inmate treated equitably. Join us in making a difference by supporting this cause. Please, sign this petition.