Welcome to Meanwhile in Florida!
Friends,
Welcome to the second edition of Meanwhile in Florida, where Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty shares about everything going on about our work to organize the state against the death penalty, minus all the executions. Those continue, and we communicate about them often, but there’s so much more that our organization does! Read on for details about a way YOU can take action to stop a dangerous federal rule change from taking effect, info about our recent travels, and news from our partners. We’re glad you’re here with us.
Onward,
Grace Hanna
FADP Executive Director
Your Input Needed by May 15! ✍️
Right now, a little-known rule proposal from the Trump administration could quietly gut one of the most important safeguards in death penalty cases, and we’re mobilizing with partners across the country to stop it.
The proposal, misleadingly titled “Certification Process for State Capital Counsel Systems,” would allow states to “opt in” to a fast-track system for death penalty appeals. In reality, that means slashing the time people have to challenge their convictions and sentences — cutting critical review periods in half. This rule would make it harder for people to prove their innocence, harder to access qualified attorneys, and more likely that serious constitutional violations go uncorrected — all while doing nothing to improve public safety and likely increasing costs through rushed, error-prone litigation.
And we know Florida doesn’t need help moving faster. Our state already leads the nation in executions in recent years, while also leading in death row exonerations.
Here’s the good news: it’s not a done deal. Before this rule can take effect, the Department of Justice must accept public comments. That means there is a real, immediate opportunity to stop it if people speak up. We’re asking you to take 3 minutes today to submit a comment urging the DOJ to reject this dangerous proposal. All the info you need, including sample language and a link to submit your comment, is available below.
Take Action Here Before May 15
📆 Looking for a bit more help with this important task? We’re partnering with South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty for a comment writing workshop at 8 p.m. on May 4. In just an hour, we’ll walk you through exactly what this rule would do, and help you draft and submit your comment in real time. You’ll log off able to check it off your list and knowing you’ve done your part!
Clemente’s Getting Married! 💍
Clemente Aguirre-Jarquin, Florida’s 23rd death row exoneree and a beloved FADP board member, is getting married!
After enduring 14 years of incarceration, including 10 on death row, Clemente was exonerated in 2017. Despite his ordeal, Florida has never compensated him for the years they stole. Still, he’s persisting and building a life full of love, joy, and possibility.
Next month, Clemente and his fiancée Chelsea will say “I do” — and we know that many of you want to celebrate with them!
If you’d like to help surround them with love as they begin their marriage, here are a few ways to show up for them:
- Send your well-wishes electronically
- Contribute a small gift to help them get started. FADP will collect donations and pass them directly along to Clemente and Chelsea.
- Mail a card to:
Clemente Aguirre-Jarquin
P.O. Box 82943
Tampa, FL 33682
Pope Leo Speaks Against the Death Penalty
At an event at DePaul University marking the 15th anniversary of Illinois’ abolition of the death penalty, Pope Leo offered words of encouragement to everyone working to end the death penalty.
His message is a powerful reminder that this movement is grounded not only in policy, but in the values of mercy, dignity, and the belief in transformation.
Listen to his remarks, shared by our friends at Catholic Mobilizing Network.
“I likewise offer my support to those who advocate for an end to the death penalty. I pray that your efforts will lead to a greater acknowledgement of the dignity of every person, and will inspire others to work for the same just cause.”
— Pope Leo XIV
Educating Tomorrow’s Advocates
This past month, our Legal & Policy Director, Maria DeLiberato, and Executive Director, Grace Hanna, spent time in classrooms speaking with the next generation of advocates — connecting with law students at Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando and undergraduates at Barry University in Miami.
These conversations matter. Building a future without the death penalty means investing in the people who will carry this work forward.
We’re also excited to welcome a new group of summer interns — another step in growing the movement and supporting emerging advocates as they find their place in it.
Death Row Artwork in Miami
Last week, FADP was honored to be invited to display artwork created by former Florida death row residents — both those executed and exonerated — at the Florida Justice Institute’s annual event.
Anyone who has been lucky enough to see some of these pieces in person knows how beautiful they are. They’re made in one of the darkest places on earth, yet speak to resilience, imagination, and the stubborn persistence of humanity.
We’re deeply grateful for FJI’s ongoing work to defend the rights of people in Florida’s prisons, and inspired to see the Florida Prison Education Project and Exchange for Change recognized for expanding access to education behind the walls.
Dignity and human development are not conditional — and we’re proud to be organizing alongside others who believe that, too. 💪
