Let’s Talk: Privilege within the Prison System

Earlier this week an outbreak of the Varsity Blues broke out and Felicity Huffman’s charges just don’t seem to add up the common offender.

How is it fair that a common women, Tonya McDowell, was sentence to a 5-year prison sentence and a celebrity, Felicity Huffman, was sentenced a 14-day sentence?

Hey, #FelicityHuffman! If you’re really in search of a fair shot ask for 2,541 more days. https://t.co/0oSRRHzGfH

— Natasha Rothwell (@natasharothwell) September 14, 2019

The Varsity Blues case is regarding the parents who are facing charges due to the college admissions scandal.

Prosecutors allege dozens of parents, test administrators and college coaches were involved in a widespread effort to rig the college admissions process for children whose parents were willing to pay bribes and now those parents have entered in please.

There are currently 33 people who are being accused in the “Varsity Blues” case and that it just the beginning.

Huffman’s sentence consisted of 14 days in prison, serve one year of probation, perform 250 hours of community service and pay a $30,000 fine.

Going back to 2011 this scandal began with other people, Tonya McDowell, was sentenced to 5 years in prison. While the differences in the cases is Tonya’s case involved drug the sentences are substantially different.

Prison systems and the disparities between the communities are being shown and people are talking about it.

Critics pointed out the stark contrast in the consequences between these two cases, arguing that it exemplified a disparity that continues to put underprivileged communities at a disadvantage.

Felicity Huffman will only spend two weeks in prison for a college bribery scheme.

Tonya McDowell a Black homeless woman was sentenced to 5 years in prison for accidentally enrolling her 5-year-old son at an elementary school. https://t.co/0woHfzz8PL

— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) September 13, 2019

Controversy is on the rise regarding the Varsity Blues. Huffman’s status and privilege are being brought up as explanations to the scandal and their not doing her any favors.

This is one heck of a disparity. We cannot ignore reality. Where is #TonyaMcDowell ? She should be home with her son. #CollegeCheatingScandal https://t.co/6B4rux4LpE

— Rhonda Kim Gleason for LA House District 45 (@geaux4gleason) September 10, 2019

This scandal has brought to center stage the noticeable difference how privilege is allowing sentencing to vary based off of financial circumstances. Not only is the sentencing different but the treatment behind bars varies as well.

The question that should be asked in every court room —

was this verdict fair for every party involved?

Another question to keep in mind —

does it benefit and protect the general public?