ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Warren describes his continuous efforts to graduate high school, which are disrupted due to frequent arrests. Robert responded to his mother's pleas to remain in school, but disagreements with teachers made the streets more appealing. Raheem tried to re-enroll in school but was denied. Neither man thought he would ever end up in jail or prison. However, after their first arrest, each continually encountered the police, judges, and jail cells. In the end, they were incarcerated instead of enjoying their senior year of high school. This chapter describes the emotional torment, racism, and physical vulnerability the men experienced in high school, jail, and prison. In this chapter, I examine how anti-Black and punitive school cultures intersected with the harsh restrictions imposed by the criminal justice system. The practices interrupted students’ access to education and exposed them to dehumanizing incarceration experiences.
