Our Core Values 

The Lehigh Valley Justice Institute is committed to developing and promoting a reimagined criminal justice system that is equitable and fair for all communities. In that endeavor the following values are at the core of our work, through research, policy development, and advocacy:

 

Imagination

We cannot build a just world until we dream it, and tap into our creative power.

​

​

Common Humanity 

Our work recognizes the value in every person and the reality that any system that dehumanizes some of us dehumanizes us all. 

​

​

Equity, Diversity, Belonging & Inclusion

We are rooted in our cultural differences and seek diverse perspectives. We recognize that both historically and presently, certain communities are targeted and harmed by systemic oppression, discrimination, and prejudice. We work to ensure our strategies and actions promote diversity, equity, and justice, based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, language, national origin, immigration status, system involvement, socioeconomic status, and the multitude of intersections thereof. 

​

​

Compassion

We commit to reduce and ultimately end the trauma and pain that we see in the work we do. 

​

​

Integrity

We commit to bringing our core values to life in our work. 

​

​