The GRAD Program

I disagree with the way the Texas prison system handles active gang members through a program known as GRAD. The program allows gang members to renounce their membership and, after completing the process, potentially be released from solitary confinement or restrictive housing.

From my perspective, the Texas prison system is basically giving active gang members an ultimatum: enroll in GRAD and renounce your gang membership, or you may have little opportunity to be released from restrictive housing or gain access to other opportunities.

The problem is what can happen after someone renounces his gang membership.

Once these men are labeled former gang members, they can become targets of active gang members who may view them as traitors. This can put active and former gang members at odds with one another and create situations where violence becomes the way disputes are settled.

Another concern I have with GRAD is the information participants may be required to provide about other active gang members as part of the process. From the perspective of people still involved in gangs, someone who gives information about his former gang may be labeled a “snitch.”

That can create even more conflict and potentially put lives in danger.

I also believe active gang members are not given an equal opportunity within the Texas prison system.

Confirmed active gang members may spend long periods in solitary confinement or restrictive housing and have limited access to education or programs that could help them move toward something more positive. They need opportunities such as vocational training, education, critical-thinking programs, anger management, and drug rehabilitation.

Instead, the message often seems to be: renounce your gang membership, or you will receive very little.

I don’t believe that is enough.

If the Texas prison system wants people to change, it should create meaningful opportunities for confirmed gang members to begin changing before requiring them to make a decision that could put them at risk.

Give them access to education.

Give them a chance to learn a trade.

Give them programs that challenge the way they think and help them develop a different vision for their lives.

Then give them a real opportunity to choose a different path.

I don’t see enough positive options being offered to confirmed active gang members. I believe the Texas prison system should work toward giving these men a genuine second chance and providing them with opportunities to build something positive in their lives.

Everyone deserves an opportunity to change, regardless of their past or criminal record.