Gov. Jim Doyle spearheaded a commission to reduce racial inequality in Wisconsin's Criminal Justice System due to the state's high incarceration rates for black men.
Doyle authorized the Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities in Wisconsin's Criminal Justice System Thursday, to provide an exhaustive look into the state justice system and propose any necessary legislation.
State Rep. Tamara Grigsby, D-Milwaukee, a member of the new commission, said the commission plans to study how skin color, residence, and socioeconomic background affect the way a person is treated throughout the judicial process.
""We hope to quantify the role that discrimination plays within the criminal justice system,"" said state Sen. Spencer Coggs, D-Milwaukee.
Coggs, the co-chair of the committee, jointly requested its formation along with Grigsby and state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison.
Grigsby pointed out the need for the Legislature to investigate these areas, citing the striking discrepancy between Wisconsin's incarceration rates of black men and that of the rest of the population.
Wisconsin has the highest incarceration rate both for black men and juveniles in the nation, Grigsby said.
""We have to look at our policies and our practices to figure out why we have such a higher disparity than the rest of the country. What is Wisconsin doing that causes these vast differences?"" she said.
State Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, who will serve on the commission, said she believes the commission will finally answer this question.
""Let's have a study on this issue and see exactly what we find out,"" Bies said.
Grigsby predicts the commission will uncover discrimination in Wisconsin's judicial system, but is optimistic as to how this discrimination will be resolved.
""My hope is to have a commission that studies the problem, but then...makes some solid recommendations beyond that to change some of those things that we find to be problems,"" Grigsby said.
