Morris College

Nationally recognized judge and criminal justice advocate to headline two-day training focused on autism, special needs, language access and building greater trust in the justice system.

SUMTER, S.C. — Morris College 16-Hour Awareness-Based Training Grant Program will bring nationally recognized judge, television personality, author and criminal justice advocate Judge Greg Mathis to Sumter as the featured
keynote speaker for “Justice Without Barriers: Prosecuting, Investigating, and Adjudicating Cases Involving Autism, Special Needs, and Language Access Challenges.“ The two-day initiative, beginning Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 9 A.M. at Sumter County Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth Street, will convene law enforcement professionals, judicial and legal representatives, community advocates, educators, Morris College students and institutional leaders for a timely examination of how the justice system can better serve individuals with autism, special needs and language-access challenges.

Sponsored through the Morris College 16-Hour Training Grant, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the program is part of Morris College’s broader Awareness-Based Policing initiative, which is designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, trust and engagement between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“Morris College has always understood that education is most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom and contributes to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Said Sewell, president of Morris College. “Justice Without Barriers represents that mission in action. By bringing law enforcement, judicial professionals, educators, advocates and community members to the same table, we are creating space for greater understanding and more informed approaches to justice. This is about seeing the person behind the case, understanding the circumstances behind the encounter and building a justice system in which every individual can be heard, understood and treated with dignity,” said Dr. Sewell.

Judge Greg Mathis to Open Program With Keynote Address

Judge Mathis will deliver the opening keynote address, “Equal Access to Justice: Understanding the Human Story Behind the Case.” His presentation will examine issues that can significantly affect interactions between vulnerable populations and the justice system, including recognizing hidden disabilities, reducing bias and misinterpretation during investigations, promoting equitable treatment, balancing accountability with justice, and strengthening public confidence in the justice process.

Following his keynote, Judge Mathis is scheduled to participate in a special community engagement session, “Bridging the Gap Between Communities and the Justice System.” The interactive discussion will bring together Morris College students, criminal justice professionals, community advocates, civic leaders and other stakeholders to explore justice reform, public service careers, leadership and the importance of public trust.

Community Voices Take Center Stage

A Community Voices Lunch Forum will provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations with direct experience navigating the justice system to contribute to the conversation. The forum will focus on what the justice system needs to know when interacting with vulnerable populations, with participation expected from parents and advocates of individuals with autism and learning disabilities, community leaders, criminal justice professionals and Morris College representatives. Additional professional training will address a range of issues affecting effective communication and equitable treatment, including:

• Prosecutorial ethics and interactions with special populations
• Competency and communication accommodations
• Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
• Effective use of interpreters
• Cultural barriers that may affect investigations
• Documentation and translation practices
• Cultural awareness within the criminal justice system

Day Two: Building a Justice System Without Barriers

The initiative will continue on its second day with the panel discussion, “Building a Justice System Without Barriers.” The panel will bring together Judge Mathis and representatives from prosecution, law enforcement, community organizations, Morris College senior leadership and the Sumter County School District to examine practical approaches to improving communication, understanding and collaboration across the
justice system. Through Justice Without Barriers 16-Hour Awareness-Based Training Grant Program, Morris College seeks to foster meaningful dialogue among higher education, law enforcement, the courts, community advocates and residents while advancing greater awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

The initiative underscores the College’s commitment to developing informed leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities for constructive dialogue on issues that affect the quality of life throughout the region.

For further information about the Justice Without Barriers and the Awareness-Based Policing Initiative at Morris College, contact Program Director Carlotta Stackhouse or Program Contact Administrative Assistant, Henrietta M. Britton-Temoney at 803.774.6611 (office), 803.316.7356 (cell) or [email protected].

About Morris College
Founded in 1908, Morris College is a private, historically Black college located in Sumter, South Carolina. The College is committed to providing students with a quality liberal arts education and professional preparation while developing leadership, service and lifelong learning. Through academic programs, community partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities, Morris College continues to advance its mission of “producing graduates who can pursue useful and productive careers, and in so doing, enhance their lives and the society in which they take their places.” For more information, visit www.morris.edu.