Panel to Address School Discipline, Mass Incarceration Reform

Child with Backpack Graphic for Mass Incarceration Reform
Kalamazoo College will host a panel discussion to examine the impact of mass incarceration on communities from 4:15 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7.

Kalamazoo College will host a panel discussion to examine the impact of mass incarceration on communities, explore how to reduce incarceration rates and increase successful re-entry through a collaborative call to action. This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: 4:15-7 p.m., Thursday, March 7

WHERE: Hornets Suite, Kalamazoo College Field House, 1600 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo

WHO: Sponsored by the community and global health concentration at K, this event aims to foster dialogue among people directly and indirectly affected by mass incarceration, including community members, non-profit and youth-serving organizations, the faith-based community, law enforcement, mental health professionals, K-12 educators, and college and university faculty and students.

WHAT: The event will examine the link between student disciplinary history and future incarceration, and how access to mentorships, counseling and other services can be more effective than traditional methods of discipline in fostering student success. It will include a presentation of the documentary Pathways to Prison and thoughtful discussion with panel participants, including the documentary’s producer. Participants will consider how to support youth, schools and local law enforcement in the building of safe communities that affirm the dignity of every individual.

Panelists include:

  • Dr. Charles Bell (Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences, Illinois State University)
  • Bill Kubota, (Producer, Pathways to Prison)
  • Cindy Green (Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Services, Kalamazoo Public Schools)
  • Reuquiyah Saunders (Director of Special Education, Kalamazoo Public Schools)
  • Mitch Hawkins (Principal, Northeastern Elementary)
  • Joseph Thomas (Field Service/Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Manager, 9th Circuit Court Family Division)
  • Honorable Tiffany A. Ankley (8th District Court)
  • Michael Wilder (Returning Citizen)
  • Michael Monroe (Returning Citizen)