Since her parents’ incarceration, Savannah Chrisley has become an advocate in the criminal justice reform sphere. She joined Mercedes Schlapp to talk about her experience as a criminal justice reform activist and the changes the criminal justice system needs.
At a recent speaking engagement, Chrisley encountered denial about mass incarceration and slave labor in the prison system. Her parents’ experience in prison opened Chrisley’s eyes to the corruption and inhumane conditions of the prison system, and now, she is opening the eyes of others to the corruption in the justice system and the unfair treatment of inmates.
Chrisley was particularly moved by her mother’s experience being transported, which included being chained at the ankles, stomach, and arms and heckled by male inmates, to work on legislation that will improve transport for women. Together with Brett Tolman and Right on Crime, Chrisley is working to craft and pass legislation that would ensure women are transported separately with other biological women and receive equal visitation rights as men.
As she anticipates the trauma her mother has and will endure, she is also working with a doctor on a clinical trial of the lasting effects of incarceration on the brain.
“Hopefully, we can come up with something that can help rehabilitate these individuals because I just know, as a Christian, you shouldn’t be nailed to the cross forever,” said Chrisley.
Watch her full conversation with Mercedes Schlapp where they discuss criminal justice reform, President Trump, and the 2024 election on CPAC+.
