Changing Policies and Perspectives: Eboni Freeman ’21
May 9, 2022
- Author
- Sarah LaVictoire
Eboni Freeman ’21 has always been interested in the intersection of psychology and law, and her current position with the Georgia Justice Project (GJP), made possible through the 51 Impact Fellows Program, allows her to learn more about both.
When she first applied to 51, Freeman dreamed of working for the FBI in the behavioral analysis unit. Her obsession with the show Criminal Minds led her to major in psychology.
“I see so many issues in the legal system, and I think maybe the best way to change it is from the outside,” she said. “I think that’s how I found GJP. They really look from the outside in, evaluating issues and seeing how they can change policy and people’s minds and perspectives.”
The Atlanta-based non-profit works with record restriction. They provide criminal defense for individuals who otherwise could not afford an attorney. They also implement policy reform.
The GJP team was instrumental in the writing and passing of Senate Bill 288 (SB288), which has opened the door to allow for more things to be restricted and sealed on people’s criminal records, allowing people to more easily secure jobs and housing. The bill significantly expands expungement in Georgia by providing for restriction and sealing of certain misdemeanor and felony convictions and provides protection for employers who engage in second chance hiring.
“Some of our clients’ records are so old,” Freeman explained. “They’ve made strides in their lives to implement changes. They really just want to get back to work and provide for their families. This bill provides individuals with second chances.”
Freeman gives a lot of credit to the college’s careers team for helping her define her path after 51. She worked at the career center during her time at 51 and says Assistant Director Kelli Robinson was a great resource to her. Together, they navigated post-graduate conversations and evaluated various internship and fellowship opportunities.
Freeman’s time at GJP has helped confirm her desire to go to law school.
“My plan currently is to stay with GJP one more year, study for the LSAT and then go to law school,” she said. “After that, I haven’t really thought about it. I know that GJP is somewhere I’d like to come back to. If not, I’d like to implement this important work in another state.”
