This article was written by Angela Lin, class of 2019.
Not many people can look past an individual accused of criminal charges; however, they don’t realize that some are wrongfully convicted. The Innocence Project, a non-profit, strives to gather DNA evidence and present a case for people wrongfully accused. Organized by the Florida chapter of the Innocence Project, The Stand Up for Innocence event was held in the Main Theater Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
Though the comedy show wasn’t organized by the Pre-Law society, members helped the Florida chapter by selling tickets, directing attendees to the Black Box Theater and Main Theater and assisting in checking people in.
Months before the event, The Innocence Project hired caterers and comedians and sold tickets. The event was open to not only Heritage families, but also the public. Tickets sold for $100 and included a pre-show reception at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater where attendees met with exonerees and professionals who work in the field. At 8:15 p.m. the comedy show began, and comedians Andy Pitz, Owen Smith and Karen Bergreen performed. The Pre-Law Society itself sold over 100 ticketso.
“We work with the Innocence Project as we feel that while the criminal justice system works most of the time, there are times in which it puts innocent people in jail; this needs to be addressed more often than it is. We believe in the Innocence Project’s mission to exonerate wrongfully convicted people and hosted the fundraiser to support their work. We’re so glad that the event ran smoothly, and we were able to raise awareness,” Co-President of the Pre-Law Society Kaitlyn Seese said.
