(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA – December 3, 2024)—Pennsylvanians with criminal records continue to experience prejudice and lost employment opportunities long after they have completed their sentences. Documentary filmmaker Shuja Moore, a fourth-generation West Philadelphian and community advocate who himself served 12 years in prison, will screen his short documentary, “Pardon Me,” at the College’s Marple Campus (901 South Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063) on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Academic Building’s Large Auditorium.

“Pardon Me,” which is purposefully being screened on Human Rights Day, provides a comprehensive look at how a pardon can serve as a powerful legal mechanism to erase a person’s criminal past. Through the personal narratives of individuals with criminal records who are now applying for pardons, “Pardon Me” highlights the broader societal implications, including the collateral consequences that affect thousands of families and communities across the U.S. The screening will include an introduction by Moore, with a Q & A afterwards.

“Mr. Moore’s documentary is intriguing because felony convictions have devastated communities,” said DCCC Vice President of Institutional Equity Momodu Taylor, Ph.D. “Despite a focus on personal responsibility and equal justice under the law, there should be room to learn and grow—and a fair and equitable chance to re-enter society.”

“Pardon Me” was a collaboration between the National Association of Social Workers-Pennsylvania, Brandywine division, and West Chester University. It is free and open to the public, and also available via Livestream.

DCCC offers an associate degree in Social Work and recently launched an 18-credit Social Work pilot program for rising high school seniors.

The screening is part of DCCC’s annual signature “Dialogues for Diversity” speaker series, which is supported by the College’s Center for Equity and Social Justice.