It may soon be easier for people incarcerated in New Hampshire to earn their college degrees.
According to New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), “The White Mountain Community College was one of five schools in New England to win a $100,000 prison education grant last week.” Likewise, the state of New Hampshire’s four-year universities have said they plan to join the program, including the University of New Hampshire.
I believe in equity and second chances; therefore, depending on the crime and the extent of the crime that was committed, it is important to look at this through the lens of rehabilitation instead of punishment.
Receiving an education can be a beneficial tool for incarcerated individuals to have because they can have the ability to gain and relearn habits and skills that they can take with them when returning to society.
Also, I feel that people who are incarcerated and receive an education would be less likely to commit more crimes.
Leah Maciejewski, the vice president of academic affairs at White Mountain Community College, told NHPR that graduate students from this past year have asked to become tutors for incoming students.
Maciejewski said, “I have an instructor who tells me her preference is prison education, and if she has to limit her contact hours in any way, she would rather it be the other courses than the prison program courses.”
This reiterates the idea of the belief in redemption. The focus on prison education will allow for a door to open for those incarcerated to earn their degree and rebuild their life. In order for educators to feel strongly and passionately about teaching, prisoners must feel all the more rewarded to know that what they are doing is for a good cause. To prefer that type of teaching style takes one strong and ardent individual.
It not only opens a door for rehabilitation, but it also puts a spotlight on educators and how they truly see the best in people and are activists of change. Educators play a significant role in equity and fight against systemic inequality.
“The goal is supporting the development of empowerment and agency with the students who are involved in these courses, which is what we want for all of our students throughout the community college system,” continued Maciejewski.
I think Maciejewski is saying that she does not see a distinction between the treatment of the students in the community college system and incarcerated students. It is essential that everyone is treated equally because it will make the learning process and environment a lot smoother.
“New Hampshire lawmakers passed legislation last year that prioritized vocational and educational training within the state’s prison system. The effort brought together state agencies, including the departments of education, corrections, and employment security, and higher education officials,” reported NHPR.
From my perspective, this legislation is laudable and provides incarcerated people with adequate skills for success regarding their career path and adapting back to society.
Alison Barretta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
