Massachussetts Alliance to Reform CORI (MARC)

MARC is a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals committed to reforming the critically flawed CORI system in Massachusetts.

CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) refers to the laws and practices relating to criminal records in the Commonwealth.

While originally intended to protect the privacy of people with criminal records, the CORI laws were so expanded during the recent 'tough on crime' years (especially as it pertains to who and what entities have access to CORI) that literally thousands of people have been kept from:

  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Loans
  • Insurance
  • Entrance to college
  • Becoming a guardian or foster parent
Join the MASSACHUSETTS ALLIANCE to REFORM CORI (MARC)

Call 617-989-8078 or email [email protected]

If you want CORI training (for people with CORI, employers, advocates etc) [email protected]

If you want more information on CORI - check out the CORI READER (the nifty, ridiculously helpful document on CORI produced by the folks at MLRI) it is available at: www.mlri.org or www.mlri.org

DID YOU KNOW?

  • 2 million people in Massachusetts have CORI - Black, White, Latino, parents, young people, grandparents alike�
  • 1.5 million CORI reports are produced a year
  • These reports are difficult to read, often contain flawed information and are based on NAME�not social security number or fingerprints?!
DID YOU KNOW?
You can do something about this flawed & harmful system. A grassroots movement to reform CORI through legislation, action, and advocacy is forming�

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FIGHT FOR A FAIR and HUMANE CORI system?

  • CALL, WRITE AND MEET WITH YOUR LOCAL LEGISLATOR/SENATOR AND DEMAND THEY SUPPORT AMENDING THE CORI LAWS.
  • CALL A MEETING OF YOUR MEMBERS/NEIGHBORS TO EDUCATE THEM AS TO WHAT THE CORI LAWS ARE AND WHY THEY NEED TO BE CHANGED. CALL MARC AND WE'LL PROVIDE A SPEAKER.
  • ESTABLISH A PHONE TREE TO MOBILIZE PEOPLE OR SHARE INFORMATION ON PROPOSED CHANGES ON CORI.
  • BRING TOGETHER LOCAL CLERGY AND ASK THEM TO SPEAK ON THE ISSUE IN THEIR CHURCHES
  • WRITE AN EDITORIAL/LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN SUPPORT OF AMENDING THE CORI LAWS
  • CONTACT COLLEAGUES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE AND ASK THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN CHANGING THE CORI LAWS.
  • HOST A PRESS CONFERENCE ON HOW THE CORI LAWS AFFECT YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
  • FLOOD THE GOVERNOR'S HOTLINE AND DEMAND CHANGES IN THE CORI LAWS.
  • HOST AN ACCOUNTABILITY SESSION WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR.
And finally, JOIN MARC!
And We'll train you how to do all of the above!

MARC is a Project of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods