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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Should We Let More Prisoners Take College Classes?

    The 1980's were the Era of Rehabilitation in American prisons. There were 350 college degree programs for inmates nationwide. In the 1990's, the country got "tough on crime;" it was an Era of Retribution, and opportunities for education were withdrawn. Now, at some prisons, some inmates are being allowed to take classes again.

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    By Warren Olney • Apr 22, 2015 • 9m Listen

    The 1980's were the Era of Rehabilitation in American prisons. There were 350 college degree programs for inmates nationwide. In the 1990's, the country got "tough on crime;" it was an Era of Retribution, and opportunities for education were withdrawn. Now, at some prisons, some inmates are being allowed to take classes again. We hear from one of them — and one of his teachers.

    Photo: publik15

    The full episode

    3 of 3
    Democrats Divided: Trade Deal Pits Obama against His Own Party
    1. 1:17As Saudi Strikes in Yemen Resume, Obama Looks the Other Way
    2. 8:04It's Touch and Go for the Biggest Trade Deal in History
    3. 42:06Should We Let More Prisoners Take College Classes?You’re reading this
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Benjamin Gottlieb

      Reporter, Fill-in Host

    • KCRW placeholder

      Andrea Brody

      Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • KCRW placeholder

      John J. Lennon

      Contributing writer, Marshall Project; contributing editor, Esquire; adviser, Prison Journalism Project

    • KCRW placeholder

      Doran Larson

      Hamilton College

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    3 of 3
    Democrats Divided: Trade Deal Pits Obama against His Own Party
    1. 1:17As Saudi Strikes in Yemen Resume, Obama Looks the Other Way
    2. 8:04It's Touch and Go for the Biggest Trade Deal in History
    3. 42:06Should We Let More Prisoners Take College Classes?You’re reading this
    Back to To the Point