05/08/2009

By JAN BILES  / Associated Press

Baker University students and inmates at Topeka Correctional Facility together are learning about the criminal justice system and generating ideas on how to solve problems related to crime and the administration of justice.

Fifteen Baker University students and 15 inmates were selected to take part in a spring semester class modeled after the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. The class meets Wednesday nights at the women's prison.

"It's the first time in Kansas for this program," said Colene Fischli, facility services administrator at the prison.

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program originated in 1997 at Temple University when instructor Lori Pompa took a class to a prison for a question-and-answer session with inmates.

When the session turned into an in-depth discussion, an inmate suggested a class be developed for those who are "inside" and those who are "out" of the criminal justice system.

Jacob Bucher, assistant professor of sociology at Baker University, said the class brings together individuals of different backgrounds, ages, educational levels and perspectives to discuss such topics as prison life, punishment, rehabilitation, victims and restorative justice.

"It's a student-driven class," Bucher said, explaining his role is more as a facilitator than an instructor.

The class typically begins with the students and inmates discussing assigned reading materials for about 20 minutes. Bucher reached into his own pockets to buy the required books for the inmates because they have little money and a donor couldn't be found.

After the discussion, the students break into small groups to work on various activities or projects.

Inmate Michelle Eicher, who was convicted in 2007 for the unlawful manufacturing of controlled substances, said she applied for the class because she needed some "intellectual stimulation."

"We can be taken seriously in the class," she said.

For the past few weeks, the class has been working on a reintegration proposal that will be presented to prison warden Richard Koerner and Baker University president Patricia Long in May.

The proposal will address housing, education, re-entry into the workplace and other issues.

"The result is a program that feasibly could be implemented," Bucher said.

Michael Weaver, an Odessa, Mo., junior majoring in business, said the class has opened his eyes to "the facts and the myths" of the prison system, as well as what needs to be changed.

"There's no rehabilitation because of the lack of programs and such," he said.

Iliana Krehbiel, a Salina sophomore majoring in sociology, said the criminal justice system gives a community a false sense of safety because programs aren't in place to educate, reintegrate or rehabilitate inmates before they are released from prison. Once released, they have difficulty fitting back into society.

"And then everyone becomes a victim, and the community becomes more dangerous," she said.

Krehbiel said she also became aware of the inconsistencies in prison sentences among different races and economic groups.

Bucher said one of the rules of the course is the students and inmates are to have no post-class contact.

While the Baker students get credit for the course, the inmates receive a certificate of completion that will be put into their files.

"I think it's been successful," Bucher said of the class. "They've learned about the criminal justice system, but more about themselves." Bucher said he would like to teach another class at the correctional facility that integrates Baker University students and inmates, but scheduling the class would be up to prison officials.

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Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com