Making a Case for Jesuit Prison Education: One Man’s Experience and Perspective
Without question, educating prisoners is beneficial, not only to the prisoner, but society at large. There are studies that show educating prisoners reduces recidivism. Another way of saying that is, educating a prisoner reduces the likelihood of that prisoner further victimizing individuals in the community when released. To that end, many colleges and universities are providing prisoners with educational opportunities. Unfortunately, prison education programs are not all created equal. Some appear to be haphazard efforts to tap into a more open market with the return of Pell grants. Others, while better planned, are merely informational. A Jesuit education is not merely informational, but transformational. It is the transformative aspect of a Jesuit education that sets it apart from the rest.
A case in point. While I was incarcerated, I knew a fellow prisoner who had earned a Master’s degree while imprisoned, a Herculean task. I was, and still am, very impressed with his accomplishment. Unfortunately, his accomplishment was undermined by his behavior. This individual continued to exhibit criminal-minded and thuggish behavior. For example, I witnessed this man go cell to cell essentially bullying people to ensure a pod vote went his way. I was dismayed and disappointed. Yet, I had an epiphany; great accomplishment does not necessarily correlate with integrity of character or transformation. Despite his academic accomplishment, he was still the same man underneath the veneer of erudition he had always been. He was not a recipient of a Jesuit education.
Conversely, I am a beneficiary of a Jesuit education via Regis University’s Prison Education program. When I began classes with Regis, I was quickly introduced to Jesuit values. Subsequently, I began asking myself some very pointed questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What is my purpose? While asking myself these tough questions, I simultaneously reflected
on who I had been. I realized I had been a man who lived a self-centered and entitled life, to the point of criminal behavior. I pretended to care about others, and to a degree I did, but ultimately, I truly cared only about myself, my desires and sensual gratification. When the world did not give me what I wanted, I took it from others, often with force.
That was the old me, the me that continued to victimize the community every time I was released from prison. The new me is a changed man. I once was a self-centered criminal. Now, I am becoming a man for and with others as evidenced by my continued involvement with JPEN upon my release. I strive to recognize everyone’s shared humanity and fulfill the purpose for which I was created. This new me, and approach to life, is a direct result of being exposed to a Jesuit education.
From my perspective, the contrast between standard prison academic programs and Jesuit prison education is clear. One informs, the other transforms. An individual can accomplish a great deal enrolled in a secular program, but that does not necessarily equate to moral and spiritual development. On the other hand, Jesuit schools integrate Jesuit values into their academic programs. Through these values, Jesuit education is infused with Ignatius spirituality, a life-giving and life-changing force. A force that transforms the individual and uplifts humanity in the process, for the greater glory of God. I have been transformed by my Jesuit educational experience; therefore, I am my case for Jesuit education!