Meet the Students
Name: Dolphy Jordan
School: South Seattle Community College
Field of Study: BA in Social Work
Interests: Camping, biking, skiing, reading novels especially classical literature, and spending time with family and friends
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Until our country is able to find an alternative to mass incarceration the public has a social and moral obligation to ensure people receive fair treatment. The criminal system has become a cycle and there is a need for resources to enable people to have a legitimate chance to break that cycle. State and Federal prison has become a forgotten warehouse where it is too easy for legislation to cut the budget on programs that need to be in place that help people regain their humanity upon release.
What is one thing people can do to help: One way to help change this is through education. Until there is legislation in place that will secure educational and practical life skills programs within the institutions the brunt of this task has fallen onto the community through small non-profit organizations. Get involved, raise awareness, and advocate for real change that has a tremendous effect on so many lives.
School: South Seattle Community College
Field of Study: BA in Social Work
Interests: Camping, biking, skiing, reading novels especially classical literature, and spending time with family and friends
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Until our country is able to find an alternative to mass incarceration the public has a social and moral obligation to ensure people receive fair treatment. The criminal system has become a cycle and there is a need for resources to enable people to have a legitimate chance to break that cycle. State and Federal prison has become a forgotten warehouse where it is too easy for legislation to cut the budget on programs that need to be in place that help people regain their humanity upon release.
What is one thing people can do to help: One way to help change this is through education. Until there is legislation in place that will secure educational and practical life skills programs within the institutions the brunt of this task has fallen onto the community through small non-profit organizations. Get involved, raise awareness, and advocate for real change that has a tremendous effect on so many lives.
Name: Abby Jarret
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: BA in Middle Eastern Studies and minor in Microbiology
Interests: Arabic language and culture, cooking, hiking, and reading
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The misuse of prisons as housing for the mentally ill. In recent decades prisons have become the new mental institutes. Roughly 50% of prisoners have a mental illness and 8-15% have serious psychiatric disorders but because of the inherent inability for prisons to offer sufficient treatment or rehabilitation these people are often neglected by the system.
What is one thing people can do to help: Read up on the facts then share them with your community because knowledge leads to change. (Human Rights Watch: Mental illness) Write letters to your state congressman or governor expressing your frustration and concern. Volunteer as a tutor for at-risk youth to assist and inspire students to stay in school and pursue higher education. Follow Abby's reflections here!
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: BA in Middle Eastern Studies and minor in Microbiology
Interests: Arabic language and culture, cooking, hiking, and reading
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The misuse of prisons as housing for the mentally ill. In recent decades prisons have become the new mental institutes. Roughly 50% of prisoners have a mental illness and 8-15% have serious psychiatric disorders but because of the inherent inability for prisons to offer sufficient treatment or rehabilitation these people are often neglected by the system.
What is one thing people can do to help: Read up on the facts then share them with your community because knowledge leads to change. (Human Rights Watch: Mental illness) Write letters to your state congressman or governor expressing your frustration and concern. Volunteer as a tutor for at-risk youth to assist and inspire students to stay in school and pursue higher education. Follow Abby's reflections here!
Name: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Reid
School: UW/Green River Community College
Field of Study: Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing
Interests: Football, fast cars, books, learning, issues of equality and justice, issues of demarginalization, re-humanizing the face of the formerly incarcerated, writing, inspiring through example, accepting people for who they are, music
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The criminal justice system has been transformed into a machine that pulls people in and just keeps spinning them around forever. The imposition of financial fines, fees, and interest on indigent people; this becomes an issue of credit that disqualifies one from housing etc... The elimination of rehabilitation efforts on behalf of current and formerly incarcerated people; more than 80% will be released, don't we want them as productive, contributing members of our community? Or are we willing to shut them out and hope that they victimize someone else when they have no choice?
What is one thing people can do to help: Research recidivism issues anywhere but the mainstream media. Get the information on what works and what doesn't work--then become proactive with your legislators. The community needs the state to fund the programs that actually change things instead of pouring millions into prisons. Take care of those on the outside, especially kids, for they are the ones most likely to end up in prison. Sometimes, one person can alter the entire course of another's life. Have compassion. Believe in redemption.
School: UW/Green River Community College
Field of Study: Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing
Interests: Football, fast cars, books, learning, issues of equality and justice, issues of demarginalization, re-humanizing the face of the formerly incarcerated, writing, inspiring through example, accepting people for who they are, music
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The criminal justice system has been transformed into a machine that pulls people in and just keeps spinning them around forever. The imposition of financial fines, fees, and interest on indigent people; this becomes an issue of credit that disqualifies one from housing etc... The elimination of rehabilitation efforts on behalf of current and formerly incarcerated people; more than 80% will be released, don't we want them as productive, contributing members of our community? Or are we willing to shut them out and hope that they victimize someone else when they have no choice?
What is one thing people can do to help: Research recidivism issues anywhere but the mainstream media. Get the information on what works and what doesn't work--then become proactive with your legislators. The community needs the state to fund the programs that actually change things instead of pouring millions into prisons. Take care of those on the outside, especially kids, for they are the ones most likely to end up in prison. Sometimes, one person can alter the entire course of another's life. Have compassion. Believe in redemption.
Name: Ben Horst
School: University of Washington
Degree: Chemistry ACS, Mathematics minor
Interests: Marching Band (snare drum), A cappella, running, racquetball, hiking, basketball, camping, research
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem with the justice system is that the general public knows nothing about the problems that are going on. In our "capitalist democracy", the only way to bring about meaningful change is if a large portion of the population knows about the problem you are trying to deal with. Since these people are ostracized during and after they are in prison, the full scale of the problem is not being appreciated by society in general.
What is one thing people can do to help: The biggest thing that people can do to help is to give everyone that they meet a chance. When you stereotype people, you are tarnishing not only the person you are unjustifiably judging, but also skewing and shaping the world where we live into something that it's not. Talk to people, and share your story. The people in this city might just surprise you!
Follow Ben's reflections here!-----Read Ben's personal stories here!
School: University of Washington
Degree: Chemistry ACS, Mathematics minor
Interests: Marching Band (snare drum), A cappella, running, racquetball, hiking, basketball, camping, research
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem with the justice system is that the general public knows nothing about the problems that are going on. In our "capitalist democracy", the only way to bring about meaningful change is if a large portion of the population knows about the problem you are trying to deal with. Since these people are ostracized during and after they are in prison, the full scale of the problem is not being appreciated by society in general.
What is one thing people can do to help: The biggest thing that people can do to help is to give everyone that they meet a chance. When you stereotype people, you are tarnishing not only the person you are unjustifiably judging, but also skewing and shaping the world where we live into something that it's not. Talk to people, and share your story. The people in this city might just surprise you!
Follow Ben's reflections here!-----Read Ben's personal stories here!
Name: Jaime Dienst
School: University of Washington
Degree: Political Science
Interests: Fiction Writing, Music, Women's Studies
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: In our current society, being "tough on crime" seems to mean condemning all lawbreakers of any degree to an endless cycle of incarceration. Retribution is prioritized over restoration. We harm the potential of our own societies by blacklisting a large portion of our population.
What is one thing people can do to help: Many offenders are led to lawbreaking because of a variety of factors: unstable family platforms, self-esteem issues, poverty, lack of education, etc. If every adult individual would take personal responsibility for raising the children of their community in a healthy and positive environment, then future generations would be much less likely to consider unlawful activities to be options.
Read Jaime's personal story here!
School: University of Washington
Degree: Political Science
Interests: Fiction Writing, Music, Women's Studies
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: In our current society, being "tough on crime" seems to mean condemning all lawbreakers of any degree to an endless cycle of incarceration. Retribution is prioritized over restoration. We harm the potential of our own societies by blacklisting a large portion of our population.
What is one thing people can do to help: Many offenders are led to lawbreaking because of a variety of factors: unstable family platforms, self-esteem issues, poverty, lack of education, etc. If every adult individual would take personal responsibility for raising the children of their community in a healthy and positive environment, then future generations would be much less likely to consider unlawful activities to be options.
Read Jaime's personal story here!
Name: Brian Dennis
School: Highline Community College
Field of Study: Computer Science/Programming
Interests: Camping, electronics, role playing games, exotic foods, specialty coffee, and my family.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem as I see it, is the lack of educational programs inside most correctional institutions. There is a need for courses that not only teach higher education, but also show prisoners the resources needed to easily transition themselves into attending college once released.
What is one thing people can do to help: One simple thing that can be done is to alter your mindset on how you view prisoners, and former prisoners. Once someone gets that label, it is almost impossible to remove it. Viewing former prisoners as individuals and not just the label that is handed to them, would go a long way for giving those who truly want to better themselves, access to opportunities that normally wouldn't exist.
School: Highline Community College
Field of Study: Computer Science/Programming
Interests: Camping, electronics, role playing games, exotic foods, specialty coffee, and my family.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem as I see it, is the lack of educational programs inside most correctional institutions. There is a need for courses that not only teach higher education, but also show prisoners the resources needed to easily transition themselves into attending college once released.
What is one thing people can do to help: One simple thing that can be done is to alter your mindset on how you view prisoners, and former prisoners. Once someone gets that label, it is almost impossible to remove it. Viewing former prisoners as individuals and not just the label that is handed to them, would go a long way for giving those who truly want to better themselves, access to opportunities that normally wouldn't exist.
Name: Gina L. McConnell
School: Seattle Central Community College
Field of Study: AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling specializing as a Juvenile Justice Prevention Specialist
Interests: I love to read, play volleyball, and try new experiences. My motto is to live, love, and laugh.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The perception that people are guilty before proven innocent. There is redemption after incarceration.
What is one thing people can do to help: Become a mentor, volunteer inside the prisons, and involve yourself in change.
Read Gina's personal stories here!
School: Seattle Central Community College
Field of Study: AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling specializing as a Juvenile Justice Prevention Specialist
Interests: I love to read, play volleyball, and try new experiences. My motto is to live, love, and laugh.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The perception that people are guilty before proven innocent. There is redemption after incarceration.
What is one thing people can do to help: Become a mentor, volunteer inside the prisons, and involve yourself in change.
Read Gina's personal stories here!
Name: Hooman Behzadpour
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Interests: Promoting the Education Under Fire campaign, which raises awareness about the denial of higher education to members of the Baha'i Faith in Iran, also sports and class games (Scrabble, chess, backgammon, etc).
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: It is a toss up between the fact that the criminal system rarely has justice as its primary objective, and that we, as a society, don't focus enough on rehabilitation.
What is one thing people can do to help: Give a few hours. Certain demographics are much likelier to end up in prison--take some time and be a mentor, a tutor, anything. Sometimes that's all someone needs.
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Interests: Promoting the Education Under Fire campaign, which raises awareness about the denial of higher education to members of the Baha'i Faith in Iran, also sports and class games (Scrabble, chess, backgammon, etc).
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: It is a toss up between the fact that the criminal system rarely has justice as its primary objective, and that we, as a society, don't focus enough on rehabilitation.
What is one thing people can do to help: Give a few hours. Certain demographics are much likelier to end up in prison--take some time and be a mentor, a tutor, anything. Sometimes that's all someone needs.
Name: Pollard Fa'alogo
School: North Seattle Community College
Field of Study: Bachelors in Business/Communication
Interests: Physical training, documentary and movies-especially kung fu films, extreme adventures-diving and sky diving, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being a daddy. In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Finding a way to provide equality in social justice as well as civil justice for ethnic groups outside of the conventional population of African Americans, Latinos, and Anglo-descent. Unfortunately, the law of the land does not take into consideration the needs of the minorities whom are often overlooked and underrepresented in health policies, laws, and the overall scheme of the American Dream.
What is one thing people can do to help: One possible action we can all take to address this ongoing issue is to lobby for a bill that encompasses the health, prosperity, and equality of all citizens of the United States and not just specific civil remedies for a chosen demographic of our society.
School: North Seattle Community College
Field of Study: Bachelors in Business/Communication
Interests: Physical training, documentary and movies-especially kung fu films, extreme adventures-diving and sky diving, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being a daddy. In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Finding a way to provide equality in social justice as well as civil justice for ethnic groups outside of the conventional population of African Americans, Latinos, and Anglo-descent. Unfortunately, the law of the land does not take into consideration the needs of the minorities whom are often overlooked and underrepresented in health policies, laws, and the overall scheme of the American Dream.
What is one thing people can do to help: One possible action we can all take to address this ongoing issue is to lobby for a bill that encompasses the health, prosperity, and equality of all citizens of the United States and not just specific civil remedies for a chosen demographic of our society.
Name: Nancy
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Psychology
Interests: Law, languages, genetics, kendo
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem with the justice system is the stereotyping society does of people who are merely arrested. This causes the person to go from being labeled as "just another guy on the street" to "possible suspect" to "suspect" to "ruthless criminal" without so much as a piece of evidence needed to support it. Once someone is stuck with these labels, they stay for a long time.
What is one thing people can do to help: Hold back judgement. It's human nature to immediately label people we've never met before, but it would help if we didn't let these first impressions dictate how we act towards people, especially if we have the power to change their lives forever.
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Psychology
Interests: Law, languages, genetics, kendo
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The biggest problem with the justice system is the stereotyping society does of people who are merely arrested. This causes the person to go from being labeled as "just another guy on the street" to "possible suspect" to "suspect" to "ruthless criminal" without so much as a piece of evidence needed to support it. Once someone is stuck with these labels, they stay for a long time.
What is one thing people can do to help: Hold back judgement. It's human nature to immediately label people we've never met before, but it would help if we didn't let these first impressions dictate how we act towards people, especially if we have the power to change their lives forever.
Name: Felise Junior Kaio
School: Bellevue College
Field of Study: Digital Media
Interests: Watching and listening to the ocean, dancing, spending time with family and friends.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system:
What is one thing people can do to help: EDUCATE! Not only yourself but your family, friends, and communities. We should have a course in Middle Schools to teach kids about the law and their rights, but until then educate your families and your communities with what you know.
School: Bellevue College
Field of Study: Digital Media
Interests: Watching and listening to the ocean, dancing, spending time with family and friends.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system:
What is one thing people can do to help: EDUCATE! Not only yourself but your family, friends, and communities. We should have a course in Middle Schools to teach kids about the law and their rights, but until then educate your families and your communities with what you know.
Name: Jennifer Luong
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Anthropology, Biology
Interests: Reading, writing, languages, social justice, medicine, playing in the snow
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The marginalization of the issue of mass incarceration: despite the staggering number of lives affected by this issue, there is inadequate public attention to it. Around 35% of the American population is under some type of penal surveillance. This number is on par with the rates of HIV infection in the hardest-hit African countries--how come there is so little media concerning this disturbingly large number?
What is one thing people can do to help: Educate yourself about these issues, because they will be or are a reality for nearly half of this country's population. Don't take the media at face value; be critical of the stereotypes you observe. Look within: examine your own biases and observe your own actions--are you feeding into the system of mass incarceration?
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Anthropology, Biology
Interests: Reading, writing, languages, social justice, medicine, playing in the snow
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: The marginalization of the issue of mass incarceration: despite the staggering number of lives affected by this issue, there is inadequate public attention to it. Around 35% of the American population is under some type of penal surveillance. This number is on par with the rates of HIV infection in the hardest-hit African countries--how come there is so little media concerning this disturbingly large number?
What is one thing people can do to help: Educate yourself about these issues, because they will be or are a reality for nearly half of this country's population. Don't take the media at face value; be critical of the stereotypes you observe. Look within: examine your own biases and observe your own actions--are you feeding into the system of mass incarceration?
Name: Jillian Hammond
School: Bellevue College
Field of Study: Associates degree in Paralegal Studies
Interests: I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, art, music, spending time with friends and family, and learning and experiencing new things. Everyday we have a choice to be a part of, and we also have a choice to watch life pass us by. I choose to live!
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I believe the biggest problem with our justice system is the overcrowding of our prison system, over policing, and our communities' lack of knowledge of these issues.
What is one thing people can do to help: We need to stop turning a blind eye to what is going on in our community. Each one of us is affected by mass incarceration whether it be economincally or we personally know someone in the system. We need to raise awareness. There are many ways people can help. Tutoring, volunteering, or even bringing up these issues in simple conversation just to spread the word. Mass incarceration will continue growing unless we all take a stand together and make a change.
School: Bellevue College
Field of Study: Associates degree in Paralegal Studies
Interests: I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, art, music, spending time with friends and family, and learning and experiencing new things. Everyday we have a choice to be a part of, and we also have a choice to watch life pass us by. I choose to live!
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I believe the biggest problem with our justice system is the overcrowding of our prison system, over policing, and our communities' lack of knowledge of these issues.
What is one thing people can do to help: We need to stop turning a blind eye to what is going on in our community. Each one of us is affected by mass incarceration whether it be economincally or we personally know someone in the system. We need to raise awareness. There are many ways people can help. Tutoring, volunteering, or even bringing up these issues in simple conversation just to spread the word. Mass incarceration will continue growing unless we all take a stand together and make a change.
Name: Gillian
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Major in Environmental Studies and minor in geography
Interests: I enjoy spending my time outdoors hiking and enjoying the natural scenery of Washington State. I also love to dance and do Zumba. Drawing and baking are some of my more creative interests. A lot of my free time goes towards philanthropy ranging from restoration work in Seattle parks to volunteering at local homeless shelters to educating kids about health or environmental issues. I like to get involved with my community and therefore enjoy attending lectures, events, and exhibits.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I believe the biggest problem with the justice system is how little the public is informed about its proceedings and the fact that they are perfectly content in their ignorance of the system and those that it affects. The justice system is overloaded and expensive, which signifies that we should be investing more into preventative programs and social support services that will help reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system in the first place. The state of the criminal justice system represents, to me, the fact that we have let the welfare of our community decline.
What is one thing people can do to help: We need to reestablish a true sense of community and compassion for everyone in the Seattle area and really the world in order to address some of the root problems that land people in the criminal justice system.
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Major in Environmental Studies and minor in geography
Interests: I enjoy spending my time outdoors hiking and enjoying the natural scenery of Washington State. I also love to dance and do Zumba. Drawing and baking are some of my more creative interests. A lot of my free time goes towards philanthropy ranging from restoration work in Seattle parks to volunteering at local homeless shelters to educating kids about health or environmental issues. I like to get involved with my community and therefore enjoy attending lectures, events, and exhibits.
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I believe the biggest problem with the justice system is how little the public is informed about its proceedings and the fact that they are perfectly content in their ignorance of the system and those that it affects. The justice system is overloaded and expensive, which signifies that we should be investing more into preventative programs and social support services that will help reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system in the first place. The state of the criminal justice system represents, to me, the fact that we have let the welfare of our community decline.
What is one thing people can do to help: We need to reestablish a true sense of community and compassion for everyone in the Seattle area and really the world in order to address some of the root problems that land people in the criminal justice system.
Name: Stephanie Hare
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry
Interests: Basketball (watching and playing), piano, running, baking, eating
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I think the biggest problem is the lack of rehabilitation options for those in prison. It seems like the attitude nowadays is to ostracize those who have done wrong, and once they're put in jail, that's the end of it. They aren't given guidance on how to put their lives back together, and are not given enough incentive to start doing positive, productive things once their out. It's a matter of understanding that these people need help, and need to be treated like true human beings with things to contribute to society, not to solely be criticized for their actions.
What is one thing people can do to help: I think the simplest solution would also be the most effective, and that is to spread the information we are trying to provide to the public. Even if it's just talking to a friend about a misconception you had about prison, spreading the idea that our justice system needs to change is the most powerful action we can take. Even I, someone who has had absolutely no experience with the justice system before taking this class, am going to do whatever I can to keep this project going indefinitely, and that is simply a product of meeting the Post-Prison Education Program students. All it takes is putting the idea out there, and change will gradually occur.
School: University of Washington
Field of Study: Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry
Interests: Basketball (watching and playing), piano, running, baking, eating
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: I think the biggest problem is the lack of rehabilitation options for those in prison. It seems like the attitude nowadays is to ostracize those who have done wrong, and once they're put in jail, that's the end of it. They aren't given guidance on how to put their lives back together, and are not given enough incentive to start doing positive, productive things once their out. It's a matter of understanding that these people need help, and need to be treated like true human beings with things to contribute to society, not to solely be criticized for their actions.
What is one thing people can do to help: I think the simplest solution would also be the most effective, and that is to spread the information we are trying to provide to the public. Even if it's just talking to a friend about a misconception you had about prison, spreading the idea that our justice system needs to change is the most powerful action we can take. Even I, someone who has had absolutely no experience with the justice system before taking this class, am going to do whatever I can to keep this project going indefinitely, and that is simply a product of meeting the Post-Prison Education Program students. All it takes is putting the idea out there, and change will gradually occur.
Name: Les Favors
School: Edmonds Community College
Field of Study: AA in Business
Interests: Football, all sports, movies, cooking
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: There is no such thing as a speedy trial. Too much pressure to plea. The Three Strikes Law. And more.
What is one thing people can do to help: Support massive reconstruction
School: Edmonds Community College
Field of Study: AA in Business
Interests: Football, all sports, movies, cooking
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: There is no such thing as a speedy trial. Too much pressure to plea. The Three Strikes Law. And more.
What is one thing people can do to help: Support massive reconstruction
Name: Will Smith
School: Seattle Central Community College
Field of Study: Social Human Sciences: Chemical Dependency
Interests: Watching sports especially football, mixed martial arts and basketball
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Money paid to drug courts and other programs is never used to help the inmate or offender, instead it is used to pay the judge and lawyers. Racial disparity is also a huge problem in the justice system.
What is one thing people can do to help: I would like to see money go towards rehabilitation programs instead of the system.
School: Seattle Central Community College
Field of Study: Social Human Sciences: Chemical Dependency
Interests: Watching sports especially football, mixed martial arts and basketball
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system: Money paid to drug courts and other programs is never used to help the inmate or offender, instead it is used to pay the judge and lawyers. Racial disparity is also a huge problem in the justice system.
What is one thing people can do to help: I would like to see money go towards rehabilitation programs instead of the system.
Name: David L.
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Field of Study:
Interests:
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system:
What is one thing people can do to help:
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Interests:
In your opinion what is the biggest problem with the justice system:
What is one thing people can do to help: