The American Society of Criminology honored Xavier Perez, co-founder of and faculty member in DePaul's criminology program, with its 2020 Julius Debro Award.
The award recognizes a member of the society's Division on People of Color and Crime who has made outstanding contributions in service to professional organizations, academic institutions and the advancement of criminal justice.
Perez is an advocate for critical and inclusive perspectives in criminal justice. The organization noted Perez's work as a dedicated scholar, focused on criminology and Latinx crime. Specifically, Perez's research examines what distinguishes Latinx communities from other racial or ethnic groups in America, as well as the impact of policies and training on police behavior and community relations in Puerto Rico.
For more than 25 years, the Division on People of Color and Crime within the ASC has sought to bring together all people dedicated to addressing the concerns and issues of people of color in the study of crime and justice. The organization encourages and facilitates research and theory development. It also promotes effective teaching techniques and practices related to race, crime and justice.