50 students from the University of Florida Law School canvassed neighborhoods today trying to find ex-cons.
They handed out flyers to spread the word about how ex-offenders can restore their civil rights and in turn, they received some education of their own.
Judge Martha Ann Lott, Chief Judge for the 8th District Circuit Court, says it's critical for law students to not just know the law, but also to understand what happens as a result of it in the longrun.
She said, "By having a, sort of, a full cycle process, where someone is held accountable if they commit a crime, but where they can actually dig themselves back out on the other end, we actually improve our society as a whole."
Sentencing Alternatives Manager for Alachua County, Larry McDaniel said, "The stigma of being an ex-offender can be lessened if you are willing to work toward contributing to society...our goal is to work with those things that will make them more transitional."
That was the message 50 students brought to the streets of Gainesville today and one they'll take with them into their studies.
This is the third year that University of Florida Law School students have partnered with the North Florida Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition to educate ex-offenders and the rest of the community. The school offers free assistance with the application process to restore rights through the Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinic.