Certain topics create such passion, anger and stubbornness that debate teachers have to ban them from the class. No one ever seems to win a discussion about abortion, religion or politics.
Prison education is rarely thought of as a "hot topic," but it should be. People convicted of crimes against society are often given a chance to earn an education they normally would not have received. But the validity of such a program is questionable when one argues that inmates are being rewarded for their crimes.
Six correctional facilities in Indiana offer programs to their prisoners to earn associate's and bachelor's degrees through Ball State University. Classes also begin this fall for the first time at New Castle Correctional Facility.
Part of the function of the U.S. correctional system is to reform its inmates. These programs play into that purpose.
"Now that I'm in the program, I see that getting an education has helped me expand my mind," Bob, whose name was withheld to protect his privacy, said. "Now I'll have something to give back to society."
Bob is an example of how the correctional system can reform. Hopefully he will return to society to lead a productive life.
The original purpose of the corrections system, punishment, is not being forgotten, though. Bob, for the rest of his life, will still have to tell potential employers about the time he spent in prison, which will make it harder to get a job, even with a degree from Ball State.
Also, Bob does not receive his education for free. While the state pays for the mileage of the professors who are willing to teach in prisons, Bob and other prisoners had to pay for the education and file for loans.
Sure, we can take the stance that inmates need to be punished for their crimes, but what happens when they return to society? Do we release them knowing very well that they will commit further crimes against society and/or individuals? That helps no one other than the people who crave redemption, as is human nature.
Instead, programs like these should be encouraged, as long as they require something of the inmate, such as tuition.
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