President Biden Proclaims April as ‘Second Chance Month’

President Joe Biden has proclaimed April as “Second Chance Month,” continuing what is now a seven-year tradition of putting the spotlight on societal and legal barriers hindering those with criminal records from life success. In the proclamation, dated March 29 and published April 3 on the Federal Register, Biden wrote, “During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals so that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream,” and he calls “upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

Biden also points to his administration’s “comprehensive strategic plan to improve the criminal justice system and strengthen public safety,” including its “historic steps to end America's failed approach to marijuana”—notably his three step plan for cannabis policy reform announced in October 2022, in which he requested that Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick Garland conduct a formal review of cannabis’s schedule under the Controlled Substances Act.

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“Incarceration for marijuana possession alone has destroyed too many lives, particularly for Black and brown Americans, who have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at higher rates than other racial and ethnic groups,” Biden wrote in the proclamation. “Every year, more than 650,000 people are released from State and Federal prisons, some leaving with nothing more than a few dollars and a bus ticket to start their new lives. In total, over 70 million Americans have a criminal history record, which can make it hard to secure a steady job, safe housing, affordable health care, or a good education—all important things to have when trying to build a good life. Studies show that when these needs are met, we do not just empower formerly incarcerated people—we prevent crime and make our communities safer.”

Second Chance Month was spearheaded in 2017 by Prison Fellowship, which works to “restore those affected by crime and incarceration,” according to the organization’s website. “Since then, multiple U.S. presidents and more than 25 states have recognized Second Chance Month,” the organization reports. “More than 800 organizations, congregations, and businesses have joined Prison Fellowship as official Second Chance Month partners. As a result of these efforts, millions of people know of the barriers faced by people with a criminal record and how to unlock second chances for people who dream of a better tomorrow.”

On April 25 that year, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Resolution 129 designating April 2017 as “Second Chance Month.”

It was first proclaimed by a U.S. president in 2018, when then-President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation designating April 2018 as Second Chance Month. “I call on Federal, State, and local prison systems to implement evidence-based programs that will provide prisoners with the skills and preparation they need to succeed in society,” Trump wrote in the proclamation. “This includes programs focused on mentorship and treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues, in addition to job training.”

This is the fourth consecutive year President Biden has proclaimed April as Second Chance Month.