Lawrence Hayes, a human rights activist based in NYC, was invited by Binghamton Political Initiative to deliver a lecture on Thursday, April 23rd about his opposition to death penalty and the U.S. (in)justice system. Just days before this event, his parole officer imposed harsh and unwarranted restrictions on his freedom to travel.  Their authoritarian tactics toward Mr. Hayes are reflective of a larger parole system which places greater emphasis on heavy-handed policing and surveillance over vital re-entry programs, leading to higher rates of police abuse and re-incarceration. The undersigned demand full civil rights for Lawrence Hayes, including but not limited to his freedom of speech and travel, and a major reform of the parole system in general.