Jesuit Prison Education Network

Prison Education

Working in prisons has been a priority and preference since the early days of the Jesuits. In fact, since their beginning, many Jesuits have “served time” on both sides of the prison bars. Jerome Nadal, one of the early Jesuits argued for Jesuits being in the prisons. He said, “that we accept (this) from God… the care of those whom nobody is caring for even if there is somebody who ought to be caring for them.” 

Ignatius himself, who experienced the humiliation and dehumanization of being incarcerated, realized that he would keep being accused and jailed, for heresy, until he had an education and credentials.

The formal and current intersection of education and prisons has been percolating in the Jesuit schools for decades. The reason for this can be traced to the Jesuit “way of proceeding.” It involves reading the signs of the times, meeting people where they are, and acting accordingly.

Some of these recent signs include the fact that our nation has 25% of the world’s incarcerated but only 5% of the world’s population. Another disturbing sign is that while 700,000 people are released from prison each year, one year later, 75% of those released are still unemployed.

However, there are also consoling indicators: with just some college education in a prison, recidivism is reduced by 43%. Another is the attractiveness of a college transcript to employers signaling determination, skills and dependability. Being released from prison with college credentials will enhance our work force.

The greatest sign or validation of teaching college courses in the prison is the feedback from students incarcerated and the students who make up the prison staff. Repeatedly and consistently, it’s this comment: “I feel human, again.” 

Teaching in the prisons is about an experience of shared humanity; it’s a way of continuing the work of Creation.