Introducing FairCode: Youth-Led Justice in the Age of Algorithms
What happens when algorithms decide justice?
In courtrooms across the country, hidden computer systems—called risk assessment tools—are being used to help judges determine who gets bail, who stays in jail, and even how long someone should be sentenced. These tools are often secretive, proprietary, and unregulated. And too often, they encode biases that punish the most vulnerable.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s happening now.
And we believe it’s time for a change.
What Is FairCode?
FairCode is a youth-led initiative working to expose, challenge, and reform the use of biased algorithmic tools in the criminal justice system. Founded by high school researcher and national debate champion Gabrielle McKenzie, FairCode blends legal research, policy advocacy, and digital storytelling to push for algorithmic transparency and ethical reform.
We believe technology should serve justice, not distort it.
We believe young people have a role to play in how systems evolve.
We believe FairCode can be the signal for a more transparent future.
What We’re Doing
This isn’t just theory. FairCode is actively building a public-facing campaign to:
- Meet with legal stakeholders (judges, lawyers, civil rights groups) to raise awareness
- Publish a policy brief grounded in Gabrielle’s independent research
- Create digital content to educate our peers and communities on these tools
- Host youth-led forums to amplify underrepresented voices in justice + tech
- Collaborate with legal mentors and academic institutions on long-term solutions
Why This Matters
Algorithms are not neutral. When they’re used behind closed doors—especially in life-altering decisions like sentencing—they undermine due process, reproduce racial bias, and avoid public accountability.
And most people have no idea they exist.
FairCode is here to change that.
We’re building tools, launching conversations, and pushing for policies that reflect fairness, transparency, and the right to challenge the code that governs our lives.
Join Us
This blog is the first of many. In upcoming issues of The FairCoder, you’ll find:
- Policy explainers
- Stories from the movement
- Updates on our campaign progress
- And ways you can take action
📝 Subscribe now
⚖️ Follow the movement
📢 Be a FairCoder
Because justice shouldn’t be coded in secret.
#FairCode #TheFairCoder #AIJustice #YouthAdvocacy
