We are excited to invite you to the Response and Repair: Higher Education, Corrections, and Solidarity conference taking place on April 4, 2025 at Muhlenberg College’s Miller Forum.
The United States incarcerates approximately 1.9 million individuals, with disproportionately high impacts on communities of color, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and individuals with mental health concerns. These systemic inequities raise critical questions about the role we—particularly institutions of higher education like Muhlenberg College—must play in addressing and transforming cultures of incarceration.
The conference will explore questions such as:
-
What do experiences of higher education offer within systems of incarceration in the Lehigh Valley?
-
What opportunities do we have in building higher education programming in local corrections facilities? What challenges will we face?
-
How can educational responses help build a democratic, civically engaged, and healthy community for all?
We are honored to welcome Jarrett Harper as our keynote speaker. Jarrett’s insights into corrections, education, and social justice will set the stage for a day of thought-provoking panels, discussions, and poster presentations designed to foster solidarity and inspire action.
The conference will conclude with a social hour and awards ceremony, where we will recognize and celebrate the work of local individuals who are making a profound impact for people experiencing incarceration.
Event Details:
-
Date: April 4, 2025
-
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, check-in begins at 8:00 AM
-
Location: Miller Forum in Moyer Hall at Muhlenberg College
2400 W Chew St. Allentown, PA 18103
Please RSVP by March 15, as space is limited. We hope you can join us for a day of education, collaboration, reflection, and action. You are welcome to forward this email to your colleagues or print the flyer attached to share with your community!
If you or your students would like to present posters at this event, please submit a short proposal here.
For more information, please contact Jess Denke at jessicadenke@muhlenberg.edu.
