In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel “The Scarlet Letter,” Hester Prynne is branded with a scarlet “A” for her transgressions, forever marking her as an outcast. Today, in Massachusetts, a similar form of public shaming persists, hidden in plain sight. The label of “convicted felon” attaches a modern scarlet letter, perpetuating discrimination and stigma long after sentences are served.

In the Bay State, over 340,000 individuals – 6.4% of the adult population – carry this label. It’s a designation that not only reflects a past mistake but also dictates their future. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting employment, housing, education, and even family dynamics. This scarlet letter of felony convicts individuals to a life of second-class citizenship, where rehabilitation is stifled by systemic barriers. It’s a form of discrimination, plain and simple.

The effects are palpable. A study by the National Institute of Justice found that 60% of ex-offenders remain unemployed one year after release. In Massachusetts, the jobless rate for formerly incarcerated individuals is a staggering 27.1%, compared to 3.5% for the general population. This cycle of unemployment and poverty perpetuates recidivism, with 46.9% of Massachusetts inmates reoffending within three years.

Moreover, housing and education opportunities are also limited by the felony label. Public housing agencies and landlords often deny tenancy based on criminal records, leaving many with limited options. In education, a felony conviction can lead to ineligibility for financial aid and scholarships, hindering the pursuit of higher education and better job prospects.

The stigma extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience emotional trauma, academic struggles, and eventual involvement in the criminal justice system themselves.

To break this cycle, Massachusetts must adopt a more rehabilitative approach. Decriminalization, expungement reform, and “ban the box” legislation are crucial steps towards reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration.

We can learn from states like California, which has implemented innovative reforms. Their Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reduced non-violent felony convictions to misdemeanors, affecting nearly 5,000 inmates. This move not only alleviated prison overcrowding but also saved taxpayers millions.

Massachusetts can follow suit by adopting similar measures. Our state should:

• Expand expungement eligibility to include more offenses

• Implement “ban the box” legislation in public and private hiring

• Increase funding for reentry programs and job training initiatives

• Provide incentives for landlords and employers willing to give second chances

Furthermore, addressing systemic racism within the criminal justice system is crucial. African Americans in the state are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, comprising 27% of the prison population despite making up only 7% of the state’s population. This disparity perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence that are devastating communities of color.

By taking these steps, we can begin to dismantle the scarlet letter of felony and foster a culture of rehabilitation. It’s time to recognize that individuals with felony convictions are more than their mistakes – they are our neighbors, colleagues, and fellow citizens deserving of a second chance.

Let’s work towards a Massachusetts where the label of “convicted felon” no longer perpetuates discrimination and stigma but instead serves as a testament to resilience and redemption.

Additionally, we must address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of education. Investing in community programs and social services can help prevent criminal behavior before it occurs. This proactive approach can reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system, alleviating the burden on taxpayers and law enforcement.

In conclusion, the scarlet letter of the term convicted felon is a modern-day symbol of shame and discrimination. By adopting a more rehabilitative approach and addressing systemic issues, we can break the cycle of recidivism and foster a more just society. Let us work together to create a Massachusetts where second chances are a reality, not a distant dream.

Ronald Beaty is a former commissioner on the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners.

Police are investigating after more than 200 Pride flags were stolen from a display in the town rotary in Carlisle last weekend, officials said. 

The flags were stolen during the night on Sunday, May 26, Carlisle Police Department Chief Andrew Amendola said in a press release. The department was notified that the flags were stolen May 27. 

The flags were placed at the rotary in Carlisle Center at the intersection of Lowell Street, Bedford Road, and Westford Road, Amendola said. 

“We are taking this very seriously,” Amendola said in a statement. “It is unfortunate, as Carlisle is an inclusive community, and we want everyone to feel safe and welcomed here.”

The flags were lawfully permitted, Carlisle’s Select Board said in a statement May 30. Board Chairman Travis Snell added that “such action and behavior have no place in Carlisle.”

“Carlisle is an inclusive community that respects the freedoms and the rights of individuals,” Snell said. “Stealing property and undermining freedom of expression is a cowardly act and has no place in our town.”

Residents came together to replace the flags within hours of the thefts, NBC 10 Boston reported, and Carlisle held its Pride event on Friday. 

Carlisle police are working to determine who removed the Pride flags, the Select Board said. Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call the department at 978-369-1155. 

Although Sunday’s weather is expected stay sunny and warm like Saturday, more than a dozen beaches across Massachusetts remain closed to those who want take a dip.

From Quincy to Worcester to Great Barrington, 19 beaches throughout the commonwealth are closed to swimming, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard, which is updated at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. every day during the beach season.

The news of the beach closures comes as high temperatures in the upper 70s and low to mid 80s are forecast across the state. Highs Sunday should reach 73 degrees in Hyannis on Cape Cod, 84 degrees in Boston, 82 degrees in Worcester and 85 degrees in Springfield, the National Weather Service says.

Nearly all the beaches closed Sunday are closed because of “bacterial exceedance.” However, the dashboard attributes one closure to a “harmful cyanobacteria bloom” and states simply “other” as the reason for another closure.

The dashboard provides water quality testing results for the current beach season and tells the public which beaches are open or closed.

“If a beach is closed, do not swim or enter the water at that location to avoid risk of illness,” the Department of Public Health says.

Among the beaches closed Sunday are Wollaston Beach at Channing Street and Sachem Street in Quincy, Regatta Point Beach at Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester and Lake Mansfield in Great Barrington.

Check out the department’s dashboard below to see the full list of current beach closures.