LETTER FROM OUR CEO: “WHY COMMUNITY ADVOCACY REMAINS CRUCIAL”

The 2025 Louisiana legislative session has been a reminder of why we must remain steadfast in our advocacy as we continue to fight laws that are detrimental to our communities. This year, Operation Restoration advocated for the passage of a critical bill that removes barriers for incarcerated people to access education. 

ACT 278, which goes into effect Aug. 1, will now allow incarcerated people to have access to their college course materials in solitary confinement. In the past, students enrolled in higher education courses, like our College-In-Prison Program, who were placed in solitary confinement would lose access to textbooks or course materials. This often resulted in our students students falling behind in their coursework and sometimes forcing them to have to sit out a semester. Bills like this are simple, common-sense proposals that give people access to the resources that they need to continue to change the trajectory of their lives. 

The passage of ACT 278 underlines Operation Restoration’s mission to ensure all incarcerated individuals have the knowledge, access and support needed to pursue educational opportunities. With your continued support, we can drive legislation that removes barriers and creates real pathways for women to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term success.

In Solidarity,

Syrita Steib

Founder, President & CEO

Operation Restoration