On April 4-5, the Watson Institute, in a collaborative effort with the Urban Institute, hosted a two-day symposium, "Punishment Beyond Mass Incarceration." The symposium was organized by Watson Family University Associate Professor of Sociology and International and Public Affairs John Eason.
The topic of the symposium was how to "move beyond the current punitive system to implement community-focused solutions that prioritize the health and wealth of communities, especially communities of color disproportionately affected by mass incarceration and prison building."
In addition to Eason, Watson-affiliated presenters included Howard R. Swearer Director of the Thomas J. Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs Edward Steinfeld, Postdoctoral Researcher Gabreélla Friday, Undergraduate Research Scholars at the Justice Policy Lab Sophia Block, Sarah Ogundare, Sam Theoharis and Victoria Ylizaliturri.
Topics covered included the history and impact of mass incarceration on communities, theoretical and practical aspects of prison abolition, community-engaged methods to reduce dependency on prisons, and strategies for creating alternative opportunities.
Eason deemed the symposium a success, highlighting "emerging scholars and exciting, innovative work that pushes the boundaries of how we typically think about the carceral system." He said, "The symposium also served as a springboard for the practices and policies that will effectively reduce the footprint of the criminal legal system," and expressed gratitude toward both the University and the Watson Institute for their support.
RECORDINGS OF SYMPOSIUM TALKS ARE AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE