April 4, 2023, GAINESVILLE, FL – Santa Fe College will be hosting two events next week on the Northwest Campus as a part of the Free to Learn initiatives supported by a Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia Grant.
The aim of this project and its initiatives is (1) to increase public understanding of incarceration in Florida, its impact on our communities, and the role that education can play in reducing rates of recidivism and promoting safer, stronger communities; (2) to raise the voices of current and formerly incarcerated individuals (especially current and former SF students with carceral experience) to help inform steps SF can take to support this segment of their student population; and (3) to shine a spotlight on the obstacles faced by those with carceral experience in gaining access to education and resources that support their successful re-entry into the community post-incarceration.
Free To Learn – Film Preview And Panel Discussion: College Behind Bars
Thursday, April 13 from 4 to 6 p.m., SF Northwest Campus, Building E, Lyceum
This event, hosted by Santa Fe’s Justice Club, will include a one-hour film screening of parts of Ken Burns’ documentary series, “College Behind Bars,” which tells the story of a small group of incarcerated men and women struggling to earn college degrees and turn their lives around in one of the most rigorous and effective prison education programs in the United States—the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI).
Following viewing of the film, there will be a moderated panel discussion, along with audience Q&A.
Free To Learn – Spring Symposium, Friday, April 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The community is invited to register for this one-day event intended to engage Santa Fe College and members from the greater Gainesville community in exploring the role that education can play in breaking the cycle of incarceration. Symposium sessions are meant to increase public understanding of incarceration in Florida, its impact on our communities, and the role each of us can play in reducing rates of recidivism and promoting safer, stronger communities. There will be opportunities to hear from current and former SF students with carceral experience, SF administrators who are currently working to promote educational opportunities for those with carceral experience, along with community partners who play a pivotal role in supporting those who are impacted by incarceration.
Highlights of the Symposium include
- Keynote Speaker Romarilyn Ralston, Executive Director of Project Rebound at California State University Fullerton
- Live Podcast Session—Moderated Discussion with Free to Learn podcast participants, along with audience Q&A
- Panel Discussions on Topics regarding Education In and After Prison
- Interactive Workshop—Facilitated Small Group Brainstorm Sessions exploring goals and steps forward for the SF community
Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
