Dean of Students Kazi Joshua Named to Governor’s Clemency and Pardons Board

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kazi Joshua has been appointed to a four-year term on the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kazi Joshua is the newest member of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Clemency and Pardons Board. Joshua’s appointment to the five-member board was confirmed by the state senate earlier this month. 

“I am grateful to the Governor's office and I feel humbled by the responsibility to serve on the board and the people of Washington State,” said Joshua. “It is my hope that I can serve with integrity, compassion and fairness, and that I play some small role in the work of community restoration.” 

Established to advise the governor in his exercise of pardoning power under the Washington State Constitution, the Clemency and Pardons Board receives petitions from individuals, organizations and the Department of Corrections regarding commutation of sentences and pardoning of offenders in extraordinary circumstances.

“I want to be attentive to those who have been harmed through actions and crimes that may have been committed, and at the same time, I want to hold out hope that sometimes people do change, and they can contribute back to society if adequately supported and prepared,” Joshua said.  

Joshua was connected with the Governor’s office through his work with Fabian’s Fund, an organization that supports transformative education for incarcerated individuals. He was also a sponsor of the Black Prisoners Caucus, a 50-year-old organization in Washington that supports Black incarcerated individuals and their families. 

“The work that Whitman College does at Washington State Penitentiary in its educational projects was the main point of entry into this work,” Joshua said. 

Whitman College President Sarah Bolton congratulated Joshua on his appointment to the board. 

“I am confident that Kazi will play a very important role in ensuring just and wise decisions for the board and for the individuals whose futures will be under consideration. His appointment is a credit to his work with and on behalf of people who are incarcerated to promote their successful reentry into society.”