The News-Gazette asked seven local advocates, including Rebecca Ginsburg, professor of EPOL and director of the Education Justice Project, to offer solutions for criminal justice system reform. Here is an exerpt of Ginsburg's response to Editor Jeff D'Alessio.
What Would Have to Happen for All 28 State Prisons to Offer Academic College-level Programming?
Nine Illinois colleges and universities currently host higher education programs in six state prisons.Together, they serve a few hundred fortunate students.
However, the vast majority of individuals incarcerated in Illinois lack access to quality educational opportunities at all levels. That’s something that we can change almost immediately, and should.
Higher education expands opportunities, inculcates understanding, and provides hope.
What would have to happen for all 28 state prisons to offer academic college-level programming? Well, the Department of Corrections can’t do this on its own. There are over 100 universities and colleges in Illinois. Many more need to step up, reach out to nearby correctional facilities and start conversations.
The State of Illinois can help by passing legislation that incentivizes such partnerships, ensures that programs enjoy academic freedom, and protects incarcerated students from retaliation by prison staff.
Read more at the News-Gazette website...
