Systemic Racism and Inaccessibility to Education for the Incarcerated in Canada

Majority of people incarcerated in Ontario, and on a larger scale in Canada, are part of the remand population, where they are legally innocent and temporarily incarcerated as part of pre-trial detention. It is important to ensure those who are incarcerated have access to education which is their human right as outlined in Article 26 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This literature review outlines how access to education and post-secondary programs for those incarcerated in Canada remains limited and an underdeveloped sector with minimal opportunities. Organizations such as Amadeusz and Walls to Bridges are examined as case studies which are leading the way in Ontario, Canada, by creating opportunities for access to education for those incarcerated. Findings from the literature review and the case studies indicate that access to education needs to be prioritized on a systemic level supported by various levels of government with funding and resource allocation, as education is a key protective factor in reducing recidivism. A more holistic approach to providing education for those incarcerated is recommended involving synergetic partnerships and collaborations with non-profits, community agencies, and post-secondary organizations. The chapter concludes with specific suggestions for what can be changed, altered, and introduced to mitigate some of the challenges and barriers identified.