On the Issues: Justice Reform

Rehabilitation

Qasim Rashid believes that criminal justice should be built on rehabilitation, not revenge. He has invested much of his career as a lawyer towards this goal.

Today, Virginia spends over $29,000 a year per inmate, but only about $11,000 per student. This harms our students, strengthens a school to prison pipeline, and grows the prison industrial complex. This must change.
Qasim served as a Virginia state prison chaplain for four years, during which time he mentored inmates on self-reform, peaceful conflict resolution, and on how to remain as positive and productive members of society upon release.
Published articles written by Qasim Rashid address the racial and economic biases in our criminal justice system, including the need to abolish the private prison industry.
Qasim supports voter re-enfranchisement, especially for those who have served their time in prison, because a higher number of voters results in a stronger Commonwealth of Virginia.
Qasim supports reforming the bail system. We must make sure that those who pose major safety threats cannot simply pay to walk free while those who have committed nonviolent offenses sit in jail because they don’t have the money.
Companies should not be allowed to exploit prison labor. As long as there are those that benefit from workers that can be paid below minimum wage, policies that lead to mass incarceration will continue to be incentivized.

As Congressman, Qasim will work hard for the safety and security of all Virginians through a criminal justice system built on rehabilitation, reduced recidivism, and voter re-enfranchisement.

Decriminalizing Marijuana

After years of experimentation in several states we now know that legalization generates tax revenue, reduces crime, limits use by minors, and creates economic activity without the harms predicted by opponents. Cannabis prohibition laws target Black and Brown communities and support the for-profit prison industry. It’s time to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis use at the Federal level.

Legalization will reduce dependence on more dangerous drugs like opioids and alcohol.
Legalization will help keep cannabis out of the hands of minors.
The additional tax revenue will help struggling schools and pay for infrastructure repair and maintenance.
Creating a legal market for cannabis will shrink the black market for drugs and reduce drug crime.

Legalization of cannabis must come with broader criminal justice reform surrounding the history of prosecuting drug crimes disproportionately against Black and Brown communities.

Expunge any criminal records for people convicted of simple possession of cannabis.
Make sure no drug conviction makes people ineligible for social services of any kind.

Domestic Violence

Qasim believes in the indisputable truth that women’s rights are human rights. Qasim has spent his career as a human rights attorney fighting for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, which are disproportionately women. When in office Qasim will continue to fight for women, and for equality and justice for all genders.

Though domestic violence affects people of all genders including men, it disproportionately affects women. Qasim will take actions to end this epidemic such as: closing the “Boyfriend Loophole” of the Lautenberg Amendment which allows for stalkers and current or former dating partners to still buy and own a gun even if they’ve been convicted of a domestic violence crime; passing Relinquishment Laws which not only prohibit a domestic abuser from purchasing firearms, but also require abusers to turn over the guns they already own and provide proof of compliance.

Terms & Conditions

I agree to follow all recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and all local officials in regards to precautions and guidelines for COVID-19.

I hereby certify that I am over the age of eighteen (18) and make this agreement of my own free will, individually, in order to participate in the Compassion Through Action Program. If I am participating in Compassion Through Action as a volunteer and will be utilizing my vehicle for the program, I certify that I have a valid driver’s license, my vehicle is registered, and I carry the minimum insurance required by law.

I hereby acknowledge that my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program creates certain risks and liabilities that are outside the control of RASHID FOR CONGRESS. I understand that RASHID FOR CONGRESS is utilizing volunteers and working to assist those in need. As a result, RASHID FOR CONGRESS cannot control the actions of the volunteers or those who are seeking assistance. RASHID FOR CONGRESS is not responsible for the behavior or actions of the volunteers or those seeking assistance. The volunteers and those seeking assistance are not agents of RASHID FOR CONGRESS. I realize that liability may arise from negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of the volunteers or those seeking assistance.

I further acknowledge that it is my responsibility to consult a medical physician prior to participating in the Compassion Through Action program to determine if my participation is a risk to my health. If my participation in Compassion Through Action were to cause physical health issues at any time, I acknowledge that it is my duty to discontinue participation immediately and consult a physician.

In consideration for my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program, I hereby waive, release and discharge RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns of the above from any and all liability for any damages that may result from my participation in the Compassion Through Action Program, including, but not limited to actions of any kind which may hereafter accrue to myself as a result of my participation in Compassion Through Action. I hereby indemnify and hold harmless the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of my participation in Compassion Through Action.

I assume all risks of injury, loss and damage to myself and my personal and real property during my participation in Compassion Through Action, fully realizing that RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns are held harmless from all liabilities, claims, demands, costs, losses, expenses or compensation of whatever nature for loss, damage or injuries to persons and property sustained by me; and the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of myself, from any damage or injury, to body or property, resulting from or in any way connected with my participation in Compassion Through Action.

I further agree to reimburse RASHID FOR CONGRESS and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, representatives, managers, and agents, in addition to all successors, and assigns for all court costs and attorney fees in defending an action.

The Waiver, Release of Liability, and Assumption of Risk shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. I hereby certify that I have read this document and I understand its contents.

I agree and acknowledge that I am under no pressure or duress to sign this Agreement and that I have been given a reasonable opportunity to review these before signing. I further agree and acknowledge that I am free to have my own legal counsel review these terms if I so desire.

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On the Issues: Justice Reform