Common Reading Spring 2021 – Faculty Fellow Guide
The Faculty Advising Fellows are hosting a spring Common Reading event featuring “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson for the inaugural Fellows Common Reading. “Just Mercy” is an inspiring testimony of the power of living a life of calling and service to others, especially the vulnerable, the poor, and those wrongfully convicted. #DUread4calling #DUcommonread #DUJustMercy
The Common Reading takes place from February 8 to April 9, 2021. We’re reading the book in four (4) sections and will have synchronous discussions on Zoom on four Fridays, 12-1 pm (discussions will be recorded).
- Friday, February 19
- Friday, March 5
- Friday, March 26
- Friday, April 9
A copy of “Just Mercy” is available free of charge to up to 80 students, staff, and faculty who participate in the Common Reading. (The Common Reading is funded by a grant from the CIC NetVUE Foundation.) When participants receive their book and provide their email, they will be notified of discussion times and prompts as well as Zoom links. The book is available beginning February 1 in 126 Bay Hall.
- Read pages 3-91 which includes the Introduction and Chapters 1-4
- Discussion: Friday, February 19 on Zoom from 12-1 pm (the link will be sent via email)
Discussion Questions over chapters 1-4:
- In the introduction, Bryan Stevenson discusses his grandmother’s background and what impact that had on his career choices. What from your own personal background has influenced your career choices?
- Stevenson wished he had been more assertive with the police while they were illegally searching his car. Do you think that would have been effective? How would you recommend someone respond in a similar situation?
- How did Stevenson’s background prepare him for law school? How about your background and your career path?
- Does your state have Stand Your Ground laws? Do you support them?
- How does diversity in a jury affect its deliberations?
- If you were in Chestnut or Boynton’s position, would you have tried to move the trial?
- Who were some of Walter McMillian’s most important allies?
- Richardson was a U.S. war veteran who suffered tremendous mental trauma while serving our nation. How should that be factored into his defense?
- At this point in Just Mercy, Stevenson’s legal defense center is seriously underfunded while also highly in demand. Not many people would have the stamina to continue facing the major challenges he is facing. What impact does Richardson’s execution have on him? How would you feel in his position?
- How have you observed Bryan Stevenson’s personal purpose and calling in chp 1-4?
- How can you relate your personal purpose and calling to that of Bryan’s?
- What are your questions and predictions for the upcoming chapters?
Comprehension Strategy: Double Entry Journal (Natalie Precise)
Additional Activities:
- Research Loving v. Virginia. What surprises you about this case? Do you think these issues are still relevant in our current times?
- Share a selfie with you and this book on your social media using our hashtags: #DUread4calling #DUcommonread #DUJustMercy
- Read pages 92-162; Chapters 5-8
- Discussion: Friday, March 5 on Zoom from 12-1 pm (the link will be sent via email)
Discussion Questions over chapters 5-8:
- Did anyone engage in the Additional Activities from chapters 1-5 that wants to share?
- While Stevenson is meeting Walter’s family, do you think he is confident Walter will be free? How would you handle that situation?
- Why does it annoy Stevenson that To Kill a Mockingbird is a point of pride in Monroeville?
- What special circumstances of the murder victim lead to greater struggles for Charlie? Does this seem fair? How does Stevenson finally convince Charlie to speak with him?
- What is your opinion of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings?
- What are your feelings about Payne v. Tennessee?
- How does the race of the victim factor into decisions about sentencing?
- Stevenson and his team are able to discover a significant amount of new evidence for Walter in these three chapters. Are you any more hopeful now for Walter’s release?
- How would you have changed the ruling in Trina, Ian, and Antonio’s sentencing? Describe what life was like for each of them before they were arrested. Should that understanding about their backgrounds make a difference in their sentencing?
- Is justice being served when children are sentenced to die in prison?
- How would you react to receiving a letter like the one Ian writes to Stevenson?
- How have you observed Bryan Stevenson’s personal purpose and calling in chp 5-8?
- How can you relate your personal purpose and calling to that of Bryan’s?
- What are your questions and predictions for the upcoming chapters?
Comprehension Strategy: Text-To Connections (Natalie Precise)
Additional Activities:
- Listen to Stevenson’s 2013 TED Talk and write a response to the topics he covers. Does hearing his voice change how you read his book?
- Research the Scottsboro Boys from newspapers during and soon after the trial. Were papers in the north covering the trial? Was the coverage different than in the local papers?
- Then compare coverage of Trayvon Martin’s case. Were Florida newspapers covering this story?
- Read pages 163-241; Chp 9-12
- Discussion: Friday, March 26 on Zoom from 12-1 pm (the link will be sent via email)
Discussion Questions over chapters 9-12:
- Does it seem like the judge now believes Myers?
- What are your impressions of Mrs. Williams?
- Should Stevenson and O’Conner be concerned?
- Recall the story of Mr. Daniel and list each example of how he may have been treated unfairly. Does everyone in the group agree?
- What does Stevenson mean when he uses the phrase “mitigation” in court?
- Do you think the 60 Minutes segment hurt or helped Walter McMillian’s case?
- McMillian’s unfair incarceration took a permanent toll on his family. Can you relate to his wife’s reaction? Did McMillian finally obtain justice? Do you find this case to represent the best or the worst—or something else—of our justice system?
- Who is most guilty of wrongdoing in Mrs. Colbey’s case? Do you think the verdict would have been different if the accused was the father of the infant?
- Reflect on the statistics Stevenson cites for the imprisonment rates of women compared to men in the past decade. Why are these rates so different?
- How have you observed Stevenson’s personal purpose and calling in chapters 9-12?
- How can you relate your personal purpose and calling to that of Stevenson?
- What are your questions and predictions for the upcoming chapters?
Additional Activities:
- Share something about the reading on your social media using our hashtags: #DUread4calling #DUcommonread #DUJustMercy
- Read pages 242-319; Chp 13-16
- Discussion: Friday, April 9 on Zoom from 12-1 pm (the link will be sent via email)
Discussion Questions over chapters 13-16:
- Did anyone engage in the “Additional Activities” from chapters 9-12 that wants to share?
- Why does the author want to encourage news stories about Walter McMillian being released as a free man?
- Stevenson is concerned about McMillian returning to his life in his hometown. Are those concerns realistic?
- Should wrongfully imprisoned people receive financial restitution from the state? If so, how should the amount be determined?
- What is the Eighth Amendment and what are its origins?
- Reflect on the types of things kids do, and that you have done as a kid, that could lead to criminal charges. In your opinion, are there ever reasonable situations where minors should be charged as adults?
- Discuss the ways in which the system failed Jimmy Dill.
- According to Stevenson, what are the four institutions in American history that have shaped our approach to race and justice? Do you agree?
- Why are wrongful convictions and illegal trials involving young children very common?
- To whom or what does the book title refer to?
- How have you observed the author’s personal purpose and calling in these chapters?
- How can you relate your personal purpose and calling to that of the author?
Additional Activities:
- Research laws in your state regarding restitution for wrongly imprisoned people.
- In this chapter, Stevenson feels overwhelmed and is ready to quit. Write him a letter outlining all the reasons you would encourage him to continue on at the EJI.