On Education….

Education is an inherent right for every individual, and prisoners should not be exempt from this principle. Unfortunately, Colorado’s approach denies certain inmates access to education while ensuring this fundamental right for others.

According to the US Department of Justice, over 48% of US adults aged 25 and older have completed post-secondary education. In stark contrast, less than 13% of inmates have attained a similar level of education. This disparity is, in part, due to the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) offering only a small fraction of the inmate population the opportunity to pursue a college education. Many inmates, myself included, would eagerly attend college if given the chance. Regrettably, this chance is often denied.

The denial of education by CDOC reminds me of historical injustices, where slave owners prohibited slaves from accessing education. Emery University’s statistics are revealing: recidivism rates drop significantly, from 51% to 13.7% for those earning an associate’s degree, 5.6% for a bachelor’s degree, and 0% for a master’s degree. Despite this evidence, CDOC makes it challenging for prisoners under their care to pursue post-secondary education.

While some reforms are underway in Colorado, such as Governor Jared Polis signing House Bill 1037, reducing sentences for non-violent offenders who earn post-secondary education, challenges persist. The new law grants reductions of six months for a certificate, one year for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and two years for a doctorate. However, with CDOC receiving $50,000 per inmate annually, there is a substantial financial incentive to keep as many incarcerated as possible and maintain high recidivism rates.

Governor Polis recognizes the value of educating inmates in reducing recidivism, but CDOC appears resistant, seemingly undermining these efforts. The financial implications, with a potential loss of revenue by educating inmates, may be a driving force behind the reluctance to provide comprehensive education opportunities within the correctional system.

If you wish to correspond:

Steve Ogden Jr. DC# 109636 Po Box 600 Canyon City, Colorado 81215

You can also reach me through www.Jpay.com