EconTalk Max Kenner on Crime, Education, and the Bard Prison Initiative
Mar 29, 2021
Max Kenner, founder of the Bard Prison Initiative, talks about his groundbreaking program providing college degrees to incarcerated individuals. He shares the origins and transformative impact of education behind bars, highlighting the ethical implications of teaching in prisons. Kenner discusses the challenges of the criminal justice system and how education can significantly reduce recidivism. The conversation delves into the value of liberal arts in fostering personal growth and critical thinking among students, encouraging a reevaluation of rehabilitation values.
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Kenner's Inspiration
- Max Kenner felt unfulfilled as a student until he attended Bard College.
- He then felt obligated to bring the same transformative experience to incarcerated individuals.
Value of Liberal Arts
- A liberal arts education is valuable, not just for individuals but for society.
- It equips citizens to make informed decisions, essential for a functioning democracy.
College and Recidivism
- College education in prison reduces recidivism more effectively than other programs.
- It works because it focuses on personal growth, not solely on utilitarian outcomes.