Akua Amaning is the director for Criminal Justice Reform at American Progress. In her current role, she works to advance progressive policy solutions that will ensure a more equitable justice system, while providing protections and opportunities for those who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system. Prior to joining American Progress, Amaning served as the legislative fellow for U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), where she worked on a number of legislative and policy matters under the member’s House Judiciary Committee portfolio. She also served as the Nancy Hale Social Policy Fellow at Third Way, a nonprofit think tank in Washington, D.C., where she worked in several issue areas, including immigration and policing reform.
Amaning holds a Master of Law from American University’s Washington College of Law and a J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. She is also a proud alumna of the University of Miami, where she graduated with a B.A. in English literature.
The American Rescue Plan Has Helped State and Local Governments Invest in Community Safety
With the support of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, state governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in proven crime reduction strategies that go beyond traditional law enforcement efforts to support communities at risk of violence.
Fines and Fees Are a Barrier to Criminal Record-Clearing
Jurisdictions can take several steps to eliminate the financial barriers imposed by fines and fees, which would help system-impacted individuals clear their records and reenter society.
Advancing Gender Equity for Justice-Impacted Women in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Justice reform measures can help ensure that women with a criminal record are given a fair chance at quality job opportunities, and these reforms are needed now more than ever in light of the pandemic’s devastating impact on women.
Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained
Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.
A Call for Effective Emergency Management in Correctional Facilities During COVID-19
The safety and health of prison and jail populations must be prioritized to protect incarcerated individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies.
Update to ‘News You Can Use: Research Roundup for Re-Entry Advocates’
This resource guide serves as an update to "News You Can Use: Research Roundup for Re-Entry Advocates," providing new information and links to additional criminal justice reform resources.
Advancing Clean Slate: The Need for Automatic Record Clearance During the Coronavirus Pandemic
State and federal governments have been making huge strides in advancing automatic record-clearance measures, which are needed now more than ever as a global health crisis launches the United States into its second recession in just more than a decade.
The MORE Act: A Fair and Just Approach to Marijuana Policy
The war on drugs has adversely affected people of color for decades; if enacted, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act has an opportunity to correct these harms.
