The Recorder has collaborated with students enrolled in Reimagining Criminal Justice, a seminar at Golden Gate University School of Law, to publish this series of student writings. This next generation of lawyers explore a broad range of topics touching on criminal and racial justice, and provide their perspectives and voices on myriad proposals for building a better, more just, system.

Sitting at the principal's office, again, a young man revisits the poor decisions he has made today. He has not yet figured out if the worst decision was the act that landed him there or that he failed to get away undetected. Regardless, consequences are moments away. But there are two very different endings to this story; not dissimilar to choosing between the 'red pill' or the 'blue pill.' Is the young man white or a young man of color? Despite his age, and with no due process requirements, this young man may be inducted into the criminal system on this day. Along with local law enforcement, the school may bypass judicial proceedings and his right to legal counsel, finding him guilty until proven innocent of being a gang member.