The Role of Higher Education in Prison Settings

Incarceration in the United States may be viewed as the culmination of various vulnerabilities that predate a person’s time in prison or jail. However, all incarcerated individuals share the particular vulnerabilities associated with their current loss of freedom and the constraints imposed by the penal system of which they are currently a part. An awareness of the pre-existing and current risks, challenges, and vulnerabilities faced by incarcerated individuals is necessary for effective work with this population. In this chapter, we consider the role of higher education inside detention centers. In particular, we address challenges and ethical concerns involved in teaching and conducting research with incarcerated individuals. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for a nuanced and ethically informed approach to higher education in prison settings, recognizing its potential to foster positive change both within and beyond prison walls.