Gannon to host screening of new documentary film Pardon Me

The Gannon University Pardon Project Hub, along with the Pardon Project of Erie County, will host a screening of the new documentary short film Pardon Me as the next event in the Find Your Voice Speaker Series at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, in Gannon's Zurn Science Center, room 104.

The 30-minute film, which explains the pardon system and tells the stories of two people in it, will be followed by a panel discussion that will feature the filmmaker Shuja Moore, who himself has a past criminal record; Dr. Parris Baker, associate professor in Gannon's social work department; Antonio Howard of Gannon's Pardon Hub; and Rob Roth, a pardon applicant. The panel will be moderated by Attorney Tim George. Refreshments will be provided at 5 p.m. with the film screening at 5:30 p.m.

In Pennsylvania, someone who committed a crime can only become eligible for a pardon after they have fully completed their sentence and then spent years following the law. But until they receive a pardon, past offenses are used to deny people jobs, promotions, licenses, education, housing and many other opportunities they are qualified for, including volunteering.

Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who chairs Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons, has stated, "Pennsylvania is where potential comes to thrive. This film reminds us that it is the abilities, passions, and dreams of each of us that power a better future for all of us."

For more information about the film, the filmmaker, and the goals for the film, please visit www.pardonsnow.org. This event is co-sponsored by Gannon's School of Public Service & Global Affairs.