6-06-2022 4:33am

GOUCHER'S PRISON PROGRAM

Commencements reflect pivot toward wider access to college in prison

Nick Anderson | The Washington Post

Four men long accustomed to the daily routines of incarceration observed a springtime ritual Wednesday that is rare for the inside of a Maryland prison. First they donned black robes adorned with the Goucher College insignia and hoods of blue and gold. Then came the academic caps. There were speeches, a few tears, whoops from the audience, handshakes and photographic poses with the college president.

They moved their gold tassels from right to left on the mortarboard. They were proclaimed graduates with bachelor's degrees in American studies.

James Jackson, one of the four, savored his first commencement. "It makes me nervous," the 57-year-old confessed beforehand. "I also feel very proud about it. It took a little over eight years to get accomplished."

Jackson, who is serving a life term for murder, had graduated cum laude -- with distinction -- in 2021 through Goucher's program inside prisons, but the commencement was delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Among his favorite classes: African American history, political science and a sociology seminar on masculinity.

Wednesday's rituals at Maryland Correctional Institution-Jessup were believed to be the first commencement to confer bachelor's degrees inside a Maryland prison in at least 25 years. They also reflect a major pivot toward wider access to college in prisons across the country.

In years to come, there is likely to be a lot more pomp and circumstance in fortified compounds guarded by razor wire. Professors and provosts and college presidents, with new backing from federal financial aid, are reaching into prisons to connect with inmates who are hungry to learn.

Prison officials are welcoming colleges. "Education grows peace," said Robert L. Green, Maryland's secretary of public safety and correctional services, who spoke at the commencement. "I'm a fan of education and opportunities to learn and grow. We have all the data. We know it works."

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