Do you think inmates should have the right for higher education while incarcerated?

[supersoshychick]

I don't think they should, because they're in jail for a reason not for a reward of a degree or diploma of some sort. Inmates don't deserve shyt from my point of view. What ever they want in life, they should make it happen on there own, not given freely to them. When it boils down to it, we're all paying for it, paying for there schooling, food, clothing, etc. It sucks, because so many people can't freaking afford to even go to college, and you have these people who has ****ed up society in some way a opportunity.

[pyramidsong]

I understand your point, but part of the reason a lot of people are in prison is due to poverty which in turn is due to lack of education. Now, I'm not talking about child molesters or serial killers, I see them as very different to other offenders. Basically the way I see it is that some commit their crimes because they are very disturbed and should therefore never be released. I don't believe that a psychopath can be reformed. Others, though, (people from poor neighbourhoods who join gangs or deal drugs, for example) while certainly responsible for their own actions, are, to an extent, victims of circumstance who, given a different upbringing, may have been perfectly decent people. If they can break that cycle by gaining an education, good luck to them.

[millenniumman75]

For a lot of these inmates, an education would improve their confidence knowing they can do something constructive. They could also learn at their own pace, which means they could work on areas that need attention. The more education they have (remember, this is schoolwork), the more likely they will get a good job and not want to commit crimes.

Education lasts a lifetime.

[leonardess]

Yes. I lament my lost opportunities and feel some resentment because people in jail are getting a free education, however I also know that anything that can give them a sense of accomplishment, a way out of the cycle of recidivism - a trade, a degree, an education - the importance of these things for them cannot be underestimated. NPR has published some very enlightening podcasts on the subject. If you listen to them, you may find yourself changing your mind.

[Witan]

Yes, I do. If they can get a degree or some skill while in prison, then they'll have something else to do when they get out of prison besides get involved with crime. If they get out of prison without any skills, then they'll just go right back to crime, and end up right back in prison.

[Zephyr]

Sure - just as long as I can get the same education for free as well.

[coldmorning]

No, we shouldn't be rewarding criminals.

[ecotec83]

I'd say both yes and no. Yes if they committed a minor crime like fraud or theft. Violent offenders such as those who murder and rape should not be given free education as these crime are general not education related.

[leonardess]

Originally Posted by ecotec83

I'd say both yes and no. Yes if they committed a minor crime like fraud or theft. Violent offenders such as those who murder and rape should not be given free education as these crime are general not education related.

actually, this is a good point. there are some offenders, which i shall not name, that shouldn't be given anything but... well, you know. (If I typed it out, I'd probably get an infraction? banned? )

[stylicho]

Originally Posted by supersoshychick

I don't think they should, because they're in jail for a reason not for a reward of a degree or diploma of some sort. Inmates don't deserve shyt from my point of view. What ever they want in life, they should make it happen on there own, not given freely to them. When it boils down to it, we're all paying for it, paying for there schooling, food, clothing, etc. It sucks, because so many people can't freaking afford to even go to college, and you have these people who has ****ed up society in some way a opportunity.

Well you know what that means? Do something and get sent to prison so you can get free education .

[stylicho]

Originally Posted by ecotec83

I'd say both yes and no. Yes if they committed a minor crime like fraud or theft. Violent offenders such as those who murder and rape should not be given free education as these crime are general not education related.

Well, what would be the purpose of earning a degree for somebody who isnt going to leave prison. That's common sense. But for those with light sentences, sure. Let them learn hands on training like auto mechanics or something similar while working at the prison. However, I dont think getting a degree in medicine would be possible for 99.99% of the prison population.

[millenniumman75]

Originally Posted by leonardess

actually, this is a good point. there are some offenders, which i shall not name, that shouldn't be given anything but... well, you know. (If I typed it out, I'd probably get an infraction? banned? )

sex offenders? murderers? thieves? tax fraud offenders? If they are in for life or death, then it should be limited. If the person has the chance to return to society, then it would be okay.

[Syrena]

I'm a little conflicted on what prisoners should be able to do. I have heard the arguement that if they are able to do schooling in prison, it gives them a chance to get back on the path of being a law-abiding citizen once they come out, but even with that, so many just seem to end up going back. I suppose if it's really making a difference, it's fine, but I'm not seeing it.

[eekmd]

As long as taxpayers aren't footing the bill for it, I don't see what the problem is. Eventually most of the people in there are going to be re-introduced back into society. Why not allow them to be productive members of society? Throwing someone back onto the street with a criminal record, no education, and no work history since before their incarceration is just asking for them to continue with a life of crime...which is bad for them and for us.

A college degree is not a reward that's given to someone as you're claiming it to be. It's something that's earned through long hours of hard work. If someone is willing to dedicate the time and effort to get it done, I think it shows that they're willing to change their ways.

[SilentLoner]

It should depend on their crime. With minor offenses I see no reason not to. But for life sentences and/or violent crimes with long sentences I don't think so. No rewards (and what would the point be if they're in there for life or until they're elderly?)

[kikachuck]

Hmmmm... this is an interesting question. My knee jerk reaction was to say that yeah, they should, because it may help prevent more crime later one. But the more I think about it, the less sure I am.

On one hand, it likely does prevent future crime by giving the convicts a marketable skill once they get out of jail. On the other hand, why should they get a free education when us law abiding citizens have to pay. If it was just high school/GED stuff, that's one thing, because most of us get our high school diplomas for free too, but what about trade schools?

But I suppose you could ask the same question about prisons in general. Why should they get free housing/food/medical care while I didn't commit a crime and have to pay? Such is the irony of the prison system, they get their life taken away, yet get the necessities for free.

[UltraShy]

Originally Posted by millenniumman75

For a lot of these inmates, an education would improve their confidence knowing they can do something constructive. They could also learn at their own pace, which means they could work on areas that need attention. The more education they have (remember, this is schoolwork), the more likely they will get a good job and not want to commit crimes.

Education lasts a lifetime.

I'd have to agree. One may not like paying for the education of a criminal, but it's cheaper than the alternative.

A criminal can learn stuff that will prepare them for a legitimate job when they get out or they can spend their time learning all the tricks of the criminal trade from other inmates so they can be a more effective criminal when they get out.

Seems better for society to provide them with the skills for a legitimate job.

[justpassinby]

I've watched msnbcs lockup and its changed my perspective on criminals. I definitely agree with an education in prison for nonviolent crimes, esp for young people. Some 87% of inmates who receive an h.s. education in prison never return (about 13% returning). Only 40% of those who do not receive an equivalent h.s. education in prison do not return (60% go on to be repeat offenders). It benefits society because they are productive members when they come out.

I just went back and read the original question, "higher education" yes, that should be allowed in prison, as long as when they go to work they pay it back like everyone else.

[TheGMan]

I am not sure I would call it a "right" but I think it's a good idea.

I also keep in mind a very high % of inmates are NOT criminals- as in they have not actually committed a crime against another person(s).

They already are going to have the strike of a crime on their "permanent record", which will already make it very difficult to do anything "productive" in mainstream society. It's hard enough making a living with education and work history, I can't imagine trying to do so while explaining lapses in employment involving being locked in a cage. I think recidivism is understandable and perhaps unavoidable for many.

Assuming one has some concept of "society" and how convicts fit into it ( the desire for things to be "safer" and so on), as well as some idea of proportionate punishment, it makes sense to do something that might help criminals leave a life of crime.

[TheGMan]

Originally Posted by kikachuck

Hmmmm... this is an interesting question. My knee jerk reaction was to say that yeah, they should, because it may help prevent more crime later one. But the more I think about it, the less sure I am.

On one hand, it likely does prevent future crime by giving the convicts a marketable skill once they get out of jail. On the other hand, why should they get a free education when us law abiding citizens have to pay. If it was just high school/GED stuff, that's one thing, because most of us get our high school diplomas for free too, but what about trade schools?

But I suppose you could ask the same question about prisons in general. Why should they get free housing/food/medical care while I didn't commit a crime and have to pay? Such is the irony of the prison system, they get their life taken away, yet get the necessities for free.

As it is now if you have a low income you can pretty much get "free" education at any community college or legit trade school as well as many state universities. So the incentive to commit crime to received those rewards is pretty low, IMHO. Most of us would choose freedom over the free room and board.

I feel the same way about a lot of welfare programs. One could intentionally have a low income to receive food stamps, subsidized housing, cash assistance, fee medical, etc. Some do. However, it's a very low standard of living. So most would prefer to make the effort to earn a living, even if it's not much above poverty.