It's our Christian duty to educate prisoners.

Over the last three years I have served as a volunteer instructor at the Maryland State Penitentiary. Not surprisingly, it is a cold and forbidding place. Hardly the kind of place you'd want to spend a week, let alone serve a life sentence like most of my students. But I remember attending a function there for inmates who had graduated from the prison's college program. There were banners on the wall, honorary awards, speeches, and applause - standard stuff at an alumni event. But they were not standard in a maximum-security prison. Palpable in the atmosphere was the most unexpected of things - hope. Many of these men had come to jail in their teens, caught up in violence and the drug trade. Average reading level - maybe seventh grade. Employment prospects - don't ask. But in prison, they had accomplished the unthinkable. They were college men now, with all the strength, self-esteem, and hope that that implies.

The keynote speaker was Stanley Covington. Released from this penitentiary five years ago with a college degree, he had become project director at Washington D.C.'s Center on juvenile and Criminal Justice, heading up a program for troubled youth. He symbolized all that the men could achieve in their lives. So had some other inmates who had emerged from this prison. Charles Dutton went on to Yale Drama School, and then to the starring role in the TV show "Roc." One of my students, H. B. Johnson, had entered prison with an eighth-grade education. He is now a poet, columnist, and playwright, twice honored by the American PEN Center, and two-time winner of Baltimore's WMAR-TV black playwright's contest. He writes about the harshness of life on the streets - child abuse, addiction, gang violence, AIDS (of which he is now in the later stages). His message is not one of despair, but of hope. So, too, the message that is his life.

But hope is a fragile thing. Soon after that alumni event, this college program was summarily shut down, along with hundreds of similar ones across the country. For more than two decades they had been funded by the Pell grant program, which helps finance higher education for low-income Americans. Since its inception, prisoners, whose incomes are effectively zero, had been eligible to apply for funds. This enabled colleges to establish extension programs, sending books and professors into the prisons with more than 35,000 inmates enrolled.

But the recent Omnibus Crime Bill ended all that. A minor provision of the bill made prisoners ineligible to receive Pell grants. Without federal money, the programs have had to close. Jesse Helms has long led the charge for such legislation, but the current anticrime mood finally put it over the top.

The arguments were simple. One was based on justice: U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon from Tennessee argued that giving Pell grants to prisoners might rob other good citizens of their right to go to college. Then there's the cost factor: In these hard times, can we really afford to give money to murderers and thieves, especially when budgets are being cut? Finally, there's the issue of crime prevention: If prison is too appetizing, with free education and the like, it may no longer serve as a deterrent to crime.

But on examination, these arguments fall apart. People don't return to prison because it's such a pleasant place; rather, ex-cons are often woefully unequipped to make it in the legit world. Prison education dramatically improves the odds. Studies have found a 30 to 70 percent reduction in recidivism (return to prison) for those who get some higher education. Stephen Steurer, executive director of the Correctional Education Association, says, "There have been enough studies now that show high school graduation and [post-secondary] job preparation is a magical number. When people achieve those levels while incarcerated, there's a much different rate of recidivism, employability, and success than those people who don't."

This not only improves chances for the inmates, but we all benefit from safer streets - and the resulting cost savings. Prisoners accounted for less than I percent of Pell grant funds; they did not knock anyone else off the rolls, as Gordon claimed, since these grants are an "entitlement" program for all lower-income Americans; and they received no more than $1,500 a year in college expenses. In contrast, it costs more than 15 times that amount, about $25,000 a year, to jail the repeat offender. In the last 14 years the prison population has tripled to more than one million inmates, at enormous expense to the public. By educating prisoners, we turn costly freeloaders into tax-paying citizens.

So it's a cost-effective strategy after all, but that's hardly the only reason to support it. It is our Christian duty to educate prisoners. Jesus wasn't concerned with the cost-effectiveness of his agenda, but it's soul-effectiveness. No accounting office can summate that out. In Jesus' view, each individual was incalculably precious, unique, and loved by God. No one was so unworthy as to be thrown away, so much a sinner as to be beyond salvation. In fact, Jesus' mission was particularly geared to those individuals who were so regarded by society: prostitutes, poor people, thieves. To them, and to us all, Jesus came bearing a message of mercy: God understands the depths of human frailty and sin and yet grants forgiveness. No matter how far we have fallen, through the power of divine love we can build ourselves anew. Maybe it's not enough to call this a part of the Christian message; it is the message, plain and simple.

Nowhere is this message more clearly illustrated than behind prison walls. I have been privileged to witness the transformations that can occur when individuals are offered care and teaching. My students were once immersed in a dead-end life of drugs, thievery, and violence. They tell me that imprisonment made them stop and think. But only prison education gave them the tools to think with and a whole new set of ideas to contemplate. Tray, incarcerated as a murderer at age 16, now applies the Stoic teachings of Epictetus to accept and affirm each brand-new day. Wayne, a convicted rapist, is completing his theology degree. In actor Charles Dutton's words: "If you sit an inmate in the penitentiary . . . how else are they going to change their souls and existence if it's not through books and education. They're not going to get it running through the damn courtyard. I'm a living example of that. In prison, I picked up a book and it changed my life forever."

Christians have a special mission to keep this light alive in a darkening world. In Matthew 25, Jesus describes how he would recognize and reward his true followers. They are the ones who have reached out to those in distress: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." We are not only meant to show Christlike love for the prisoner; we are meant to treat the prisoner as if he or she were Christ, infinitely precious in God's eyes. "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

"Lock'em up, and throw away the key!" That seems the predominant mood now toward these "least brothers." But what was Jesus' message if not resolutely countercultural? We see this in the traditional works of mercy: "Feed the hungry," "clothe the naked," and "shelter the homeless" are not high priorities on the public agenda right now. Neither are the works of mercy associated with prison education: "Forgive all injuries," "visit the imprisoned," and "instruct the ignorant." But where such works are carried out, the light of God there shines, illuminating all who participate. I know. I've felt it light up even the dingiest classroom of the Maryland State Penitentiary.

Pell grant funding is already eradicated; prison programs are closing in droves. But there are glimmers of hope and possibility. Congress did pass a bill that would allow funds for youthful offenders under age 25 to pursue a college degree in prison. They just didn't appropriate any money for it. Let's see that they do. Then, too, state and local governments can step in to support educational programs that the federal government has abandoned. They should. It's one of the few effective crime-prevention strategies we've got. Finally, there's much to do as individuals. We can donate our books, computers, time, and skills to prison schools that now, more than ever, need them desperately. The satisfactions are great.

Of course, there's a danger of romanticizing all this. Prisoners aren't just victims, but victimizers. Not every educated prisoner goes straight. Not every prison conversion holds up on the street. In Luke's account, Jesus went to his death abused by an unrepentant thief. But there was also the other thief to whom Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in paradise." These were the last words he spoke to a human being. Apparently, he didn't think teaching criminals was a waste of time.

Feedback

Each month, advance copies of Sounding Board are mailed to a representative sample of U.S. Catholic subscribers. Their answers to questions about Sounding Board and a balanced selection of their comments about the article as whole appear in Feedback.

The most

compelling reason

to provide education

to prisoners is:

To break the cycle of ignorance and crime. Georgia Davis Canyon Lake, Tex.

To open their minds and allow a glimpse of light to transform their lives. Michele Sienkiewicz New Rochelle, N.Y.

I believe they should pay for their education - not society. I believe it is a slap in the face when they get life easier or better than their victims or victims' families. Were the victims offered a better chance at life with an education? Debbie Hammond Huntley, Mont.

If one prisoner becomes a productive citizen due to education in prison, it's worth educating a hundred. Karen Camerino Cypress, Tex.

Education, along with work, provides rehabilitation and helps prisoners become good citizens upon release. Bob Ronan Jefferson City, Mo.

To enhance their ability to leave the past behind and mold a future that will help them to be of service to others. Ralph Dyrness Valley City, N.D.

Most people who enter prison will be leaving one day. It is in everyone's best interest to make that person able to function properly and contribute to society.

Name withheld Aspen, Colo.

The reason they are imprisoned could be the direct result of the lack of an education. An education could prevent future problems for them and us.

Joanne Tomerlin Big Spring, Tex.

To give them - and society - a chance to do better.

Name withheld Washington, D.C.

The purpose of

incarcerating criminals

is or should be:

Rehabilitation as well as punishment. B. Prato Phoenix, Ariz.

Potential victims must be protected from people who threaten the life, property, or liberty of others. Those who can't be rehabilitated must be identified and kept in jail. Those who can be rehabilitated should be. Mary Dahms Bethlehem, Pa.

To punish, yes. But to teach, as well. Punishment without informing the criminal of their ability to do better or giving them the tools to do better is useless. Catherine Bombell Greensboro, N.C.

To give them hope for a future. Helen Bernier Roanoke, Va.

To show them the way people should act. Bill Walsh Fort Myers, Fla.

To protect the law-abiding. Hern Clauto Ebensburg, Pa.

Protect society in the short term by putting the danger away; protect society in the long term by reforming the criminal. Name withheld Great Falls, Mont.

Punish serious offenders, but just sitting in a cell or watching TV isn't going to help. They need to learn a trade or get an education. Ralph Hammock Stamford, Conn.

Punishment of the criminal is one thing. But society also has the task of providing for the welfare of its people. If education can lessen the violence of criminals, once they have fulfilled their punishment, then society should provide education and other opportunities that reduce the recidivism rate. John McKay Takoma Park, Md.

I understand

Jesus' admonitions

to visit those in prison

and instruct the

ignorant to mean:

That we are called to love our neighbor, even if our neighbor is in prison. Carol Lean Chicago, Ill.

That all human beings are worthy of our time and understanding. Sister Ellen Kerstiens, C.S.J. Denver, Colo.

I do not think one can lump those two admonitions together, nor do I think Jesus meant us to. We would need to totally rethink our prison system if we wanted education to be an integral part of incarceration. Let's put money into our school system to try to stem the tide of youth violence. Sister Barbara King, O.P. Stoneham, Mass.

Visiting those in prison can be taken literally, or it can mean that we put our time, money, and effort towards prevention and instruction as we are able to do. Kristine Beirne Wharton, N.J.

I can't imagine a prison more horrible or confining than illiteracy. Take away literature, poetry, scripture, or any written word, and you take away beauty, hope, imagination, and thought. Bars of ignorance around a human mind can be more destructive and painful than bars of steel around a human body. Kathleen McGregor Napa, Calif.

Let's practice the corporal works of mercy instead of just talking. Tom Crowley Erie, Pa.

We have to believe there is hope for all and believe in the power of prayer to heal and transform. Prayer and hope will be for naught if there is no opportunity for growth and betterment. Brother Patrick D. Dunne Salinas, Calif.

One of our sisters has established homes for children of mothers who are in prison and brings the children to visit when possible. When the women are released, these homes welcome them, reunite them with their children, and help them to get a job and a decent place to live. Name withheld Brentwood, N.Y.

Jesus would expect good Christians to work toward achieving those ends - not forget those in prison and educate those who have the ability and inclination. Name withheld Downingtown, Pa.

There is no fundamental difference between those outside a jail or inside a jail. We are all sinners. John Rippey Washington, D.C.

A prison visit is not a simple physical visit since most individuals cannot realistically visit prisons. Rather, it includes supporting programs and politicians to ensure prisons are humane places that do not merely punish but provide rehabilitation. Instructing the ignorant also involves moral education. Name withheld Somerville, N.J.

General comments

The current trend aimed at "lock them up and throw away the key" is completely devoid of common sense. The vast majority of men and women who are sent to jail are eventually released into the community - just what kind of person do you want to have coming out of your local jail or prison? I know I would prefer a better-educated and better-adjusted person by far! Bill Morrissey Shirley, Mass.

As a person who has worked hard and taken out loans to get my education, I am uncomfortable with the phrase "giving them an education." Higher education should be available to prisoners, but they should have to work (in prison) to earn the privilege. Positive behavior and extra work should be required in exchange for the opportunity of higher education. Susan Bird Sunderland, Mass.

It is interesting to note that Drew Leder's strongest arguments are economic and social return on investment. Perhaps unconsciously he realizes that formal education is a privilege but claimed as a right by a very messed-up society. A better system of in-prison jobs, allowing prisoners real training and real earnings, would be more constructive and profitable for all. Philip Belmont Denver, Colo.

They should be given avenues for improvement - elementary and high school - but on the college level? Name withheld Cincinnati, Ohio 

Even though I was not given the opportunity of a higher education, coming from a poor family, I believe that without one in this time many will turn to crime because of the lack of job opportunities. Preventing education for prisoners is a symptom of the meanness that seems to get votes these days. James E. Berg Rhinelander, Wis.

The fact that I myself cannot afford to go to college - even though I am working full-time - and a prisoner who has committed the most horrendous of crimes has the opportunity to go, disturbs me. There must be some way to balance out justice, punishment for the crimes committed, and rehabilitation, but I'm not sure that offering them a college education is the answer. Terri Zakraysek Cleveland, Ohio 

America is in a mean mood today. Punishment is in - mercy is out. Things will change only when the true cost of this attitude becomes obvious. Father Francis J. O'Keefe Putnam, Conn.

Educating prisoners is one good way to reduce the number of criminals returning to prison.

91% agree

6% disagree

3% other

Prisoners gave up their right to an education when they committed their crime.

8% agree

87% disagree

5% other

Providing education for prisoners will make going to prison less of a crime deterrent.

14% agree

82% disagree

4% other

The government should concentrate on improving early education so young people won't turn to crime.

83% agree

5% disagree

12% other

Law-abiding citizens who can't afford to go to college deserve government aid before prisoners do.

60% agree

20% disagree

20% other

No one is beyond the hope of transforming his or her life - even imprisoned criminals.

97% agree

1% disagree

2% other

I think prisons exist to punish criminals, not rehabilitate them.

26% agree

56% disagree

18% other

It makes good social and economic sense to put prisoners' time to good use by giving them an education.

87% agree

4% disagree

9% other

Funds for education should go to prisoners of all ages, not just offenders who are 25 and under.

87% agree

7% disagree

6% other

Along with Drew Leder, I believe it's our Christian duty to educate prisoners.

84% agree

10% disagree

6% other

(All comments used in Feedback must be signed, but we will withhold names on request. We regret that space limitations force us to condense letters and that many letters cannot be used at all. We try to reflect major opinion trends accurately. Our thanks to all who wrote. - The Editors

By Drew Leder, an associate professor of philosophy at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland.