WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A Norwalk woman is among 39 people who were pardoned by President Joe Biden on Thursday, according to a statement from the White House.
Sherranda Janell Harris, 43, was convicted of a non-violent drug offense when she was 24 years old. During the 19 years that have since passed, Harris has maintained employment in the finance and real estate fields, according to the White House.
She is also an engaged parent who spends most of her free time with her child. The White House said Harris is committed to her church and has taken care of fellow parishioners.
“Ms. Harris has been described as a role model for young women in her community,” the White House release said.
On Thursday, Biden also granted commutations to 1,499 other individuals. A commutation occurs when a sentence is either partially or totally reduced, lowering the level of punishment.
In the press release, Biden emphasized that the U.S. was built on the promise of possibility and second chances.
“As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses,” Biden said.
Biden noted that those in the group of 39 people who received pardons, including Harris, have “shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer.”
In a separate release, Connecticut state Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), who is the Senate Majority Leader, praised Biden’s decision to pardon Harris.
He said too many Americans had their lives permanently disrupted by “draconian drug policies” in the 1990s and early 2000s.
“These polices disproportionately affected communities of color, creating barriers to education, housing and employment for generations,” Duff said. “Although I do not personally know Ms. Harris, it’s heartening to see a fellow Norwalk resident receive an opportunity for a fresh start.”
Duff said Biden’s decision to grant Harris the pardon reflects compassion and a commitment to justice. He commends Biden for helping people rebuild their lives.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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