ABSTRACT
This chapter re-frames the practice of offering for-credit, liberal arts college courses in prisons not simply as an instrumental method of reducing recidivism or expanding economic opportunity, but as an expression of democratic solidarity. This chapter focuses on one clear opportunity to change the messaging of the criminal legal system to be more reparative and forward-facing. Offering incarcerated people the opportunity to take part in the experience of a liberal arts college education represents a meaningful step toward recognizing returning citizens’ equal democratic membership and moral worth.
