| Who’s in Prison
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Our first presentation looks at the growing disparity in incarceration rates between different economic, racial, and geographical groups,
as well as how specific groups are targetted for incarceration. We will examine what kind of “crimes” committed by what kinds of people
result in prison sentences and which kinds do not. Students will be encouraged to develop thoughtful explanations for these situations, to
recognize the methods through which groups are targeted, and dominant explanations for these patterns. This
presentation is available for a donation of $5-10.
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| The Criminalization of Youth |
This presentation is an update of our original class presentation developed for the No on Proposition 21 (California) campaign. It explores
the situation that students find themselves in in a time of growing fear of young people in this country (especially poor youth and youth
of color) and the resulting violence directed against them. Students will discuss the trends around the increasing control of youth,
brainstorm possible causes for these developments, and discuss what they consider to be appropriate and inappropriate ways for the justice
system to handle young people. This presentation is available for a
donation of $5-10.
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page
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|
Prison Profits |
Prison Profits looks at the extent to which prisons are central to our economy and the social patterns through which certain
segments of society reap huge benefits from putting people in cages, while other groups are devastated. Students will investigate the flow
of money through the prison industrial complex as it affects communities, corporations, and government structures. This presentation moves
beyond an exploration of private prisons and prison labor to show how deeply embedded the punishment industry is in our economy. Students
will take on different perspectives and try to figure out why corporations, prison employees, and elected politicians are so eager to build
prisons, and whose needs are sacrificed in that process. This presentation is available for a donation of $5-10.
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page
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| Death Penalty |
This segment examines the history of the death penalty in the United States, critically examining how race, gender, class and political
activity affect the use of the death penalty. By using a video slide show with narration and music, the presentation brings out the faces
and voices of death penalty victims that are usually hidden from public view. Through discussion activities, students explore different
viewpoints and alternatives. This presentation is available
for a donation of $15-20.
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page
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