The Gender Studies Club and Criminology Club joined together to host an event Tuesday night, “School to Prison Pipeline.”
The school to prison pipeline is a national trend where children are funneled out of schools which can lead them into juvenile and criminal justice systems. Some schools resemble prisons when the building consists of security cameras, police officers, metal detectors and more. This has been an ongoing issue that researchers say will get worse.
The Gender Studies Club and Criminology Club are not usually two clubs that collide. Both clubs decided to come together for this event to pull knowledge from each discipline to teach and educate the SRU community about this national issue.
Gender Studies Director Cindy Lacom spoke on how students’ roles can impact the future of this issue.
“I think it is imperative that we take diversity, equality and inclusion seriously,” said Lacom. “And all you students on this screen have the capacity to change our futures in a really positive way. So, these programs are essential to change the world.”
The school to prison pipeline involves school systems, administration, faculty and even parents. Addressing this problem within the school system can include appropriate training, restorative justice and social supports and resources. These changes can help create a positive and healthier environment for students in public schools.
Associate Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department Sarah Keuhn commented on the way students can partake while in college.
“We try to be comfortable and surround ourselves with people who have the same mindset, the same background and the same cultural views,” said Keuhn. “But I think it is really, really important that you challenge yourself and be with other departments and hear other viewpoints. We heard in the discussion all these different perspectives.”
The Criminology Club is open to students who are a part of the Criminology department. Students in this department can find information about the club on CORE.
The Gender Studies club is open to any students, staff and faculty who are interested in issues of gender, diversity, intersexuality and embodiment. Students can find information about the club on CORE or through the club’s social media accounts.
Future events including “Masculinity and Mental Health: Breaking Intersectional Barries” and “Dying to be Heard: A Discussion about Black Maternal Health” can be found of CORE. Both events will occur in March.
