UK College of Education Symposium Examines Toll of Mass Incarceration
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2020) — A two-day symposium at the University of Kentucky will connect academic and community voices on issues surrounding mass incarceration. Organized by the UK College of Education, Punishing Trauma will examine the impact and consequences of punishment and surveillance on children, families and communities.
"Punishing Trauma looks at the systemic effects of racial disciplinary practices, public policy gaps, the criminal justice system and mental health disparities for marginalized students in their schools and communities. This symposium will continue the work of the late sociologist Devon Tyrone Wade and carries the title of his dissertation," said Serena M. Wilcox, UK College of Education postdoctoral scholar and event organizer.
Speakers will include community organizers and activists, policymakers, academic researchers and individuals directly impacted by mass incarceration and mass supervision.
“When someone goes to prison, the impact has a domino effect. As a College of Education, we want to peel back the layers, reveal the hidden toll being taken, and partner with community voices on how we respond,” said Margaret Mohr-Schroeder, UK College of Education associate dean for clinical preparation and partnerships.
The symposium will link the voices of those who work with, study and confront these pressing concerns.
“The trauma created when a family member is incarcerated greatly impacts the quality of life of thousands of children and teens. When it manifests in emotional, behavioral and academic ways, traditional forms of punishment often create more problems. Research shows the benefits of having access to restorative justice practices, counseling, drug treatment and other social services within the school setting. This is an opportunity for us to come together and move the conversation forward,” said UK College of Education Dean Julian Vasquez Heilig.
Register to attend the symposium, taking place Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Gatton Student Center on the UK campus.
UK Sponsors:
Office for Institutional Diversity
Lewis Honors College
College of Social Work
Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
Center for Equality and Social Justice – College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Sociology – College of Arts and Sciences
Martin Luther King Center
Office of the Vice President for Research
College of Education
Office of Clinical Preparation and Partnerships – College of Education
External Sponsors:
NAACP-Lexington
University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Social Work
Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA)-Lexington Chapter
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.