While serving as California’s Attorney General, Kamala Harris allegedly extended the incarceration of numerous black men past their release dates in order to exploit their labor for state initiatives at minimal pay.
The practice has been likened to slavery by critics of the Vice President.
Critics have also noted that Harris oversaw the incarceration of 1,500 individuals for marijuana offenses.
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling mandated California to reduce prison overcrowding, but Harris’ office argued against early parole for non-violent offenders.
Harris’ office reportedly claimed it would harm labor programs, including inmate firefighting efforts.
“Extending 2-for-1 credits to all minimum custody inmates at this time would severely impact fire camp participation—a dangerous outcome while California is in the middle of a difficult fire season and severe drought,” Harris’ attorneys wrote.
Critics argued that Harris’ actions have demonstrated a lack of genuine support for black communities.
