Michael H. Feldman'67 Social Justice Day

List of 12 items.

• “The Brutalist, Part II?" – Examining U.S. Prison & School Architecture & Design | Aidan Wang

  Writing in 1975 in his book Discipline and Punish, French philosopher Michel Foucault pondered, "Is it surprising that prisons resemble factories, schools, barracks, hospitals, which all resemble prisons?" In this Social Justice Day Workshop, we will consider this chicken-and-the-egg paradox, examining the links between prison and school design, particularly in the second half of the 20th century. We will use a plethora of photos, building plans, and diagrams from both prisons and schools to ask questions on how architecture relates to institutions' overall goals.

• A Path Forward: Alternatives to Incarceration | Eleanor “Ellie” Bresnahan '19

  During this session, participants will explore alternatives to incarceration through a variety of perspectives, including Restorative and Transformative Justice practices. The aim of this session is to gain a broader understanding of what it means to keep our communities safe while working towards humane and just ways to address harm.

• Art in Action: Collective Creation for Restorative Connection | Joshua Winer

  Join us for a hands-on workshop led by a guest artist known for community murals and collaborative art-making. Together, we’ll explore how creating art in community can foster connection, healing, and shared voice—core values of restorative justice. Using drawing (and maybe even writing—your choice!), you'll help shape a collective piece that reflects our community’s stories and hopes. No art experience needed—just bring your creativity and willingness to connect.

• Breaking the Pipeline: Understanding and Disrupting the School to Prison System | Alison Sexson

  This workshop explores the school-to-prison pipeline, examining how disciplinary policies and systemic inequities push students toward incarceration. Through discussion and real-world examples, participants will explore ways to challenge this cycle, including how Alison's work at Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) actively disrupts these patterns.

• Bridging Worlds: The Power of Books in Prison | Kelly Brotzman

  Incarcerated individuals often face isolation, limited access to resources, and poor library services.This workshop will highlight the mission of Prison Book Program, which connects communities inside and outside the prison system by providing free books and reading materials that cater to the unique needs and interests of people in prison. Participants will learn about the vital role of books in fostering education, personal growth, and imagination behind bars. The session will also showcase how volunteers can get involved, helping to bridge the gap by supporting incarcerated individuals through this meaningful volunteer experience.

• Cultivating a Culture of Belonging through Restorative Practices | Kristina Dolce

  Join this workshop for a powerful introduction to how restorative justice serves as the foundation for creating a school environment where students feel seen, safe, and empowered to thrive. Learn not just about what restorative justice is but also about how a commitment to connection can transform school culture into one that uplifts every voice.

• FREE LPS Elevated Thought (ET)

  Part I (Morning): FREE LPS is a documentary exploring the experiences of students, parents, teachers and staff under receivership, with the goal of synthesizing this often complex topic, and inviting all who watch to get involved in the effort to restore local control within the Lawrence Public School system.
  
  Part 2 (Afternoon): Developed through ET's What is Education campaign (2016-2019), the Student Bill of Rights was created by Lawrence youth to push forward a reimagined public school experience grounded in youth voice and creativity. As the state receivership in Lawrence is coming to end, the Bill of Rights is being evaluated and critiqued to ensure it's still relevant. This workshop creates space for your voice and educational experience to contribute to the process.

• From Classroom to Cellblock: Breaking the Cycle from Within | Mac Hudson & Aryanna Mumford

  This workshop will focus on what happens once individuals enter the system, how prison policies reinforce incarceration rather than rehabilitation, and what needs to change to truly break the cycle. Together, our guests work at Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) of Massachusetts. As members of the PLS Race Equity Team, each plays a key role in advocating for incarcerated individuals and addressing systemic barriers to reentry.

  
  

  Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) of Massachusetts aims to challenge the carceral system through litigation, advocacy, client counseling, partnership with impacted individuals and communities, and outreach to policymakers and the public in order to promote the human rights of incarcerated persons and end harmful confinement.

• Investigative Journalism and the Language of Incarceration | Chris Faraone

  How do the words we use shape the way we see crime, justice, and incarceration? In this workshop, a seasoned journalist will guide students through the fundamentals of investigative reporting, with a focus on analyzing the language used in media coverage of arrests, policing, and imprisonment. Participants will learn how to examine news reports, question dominant narratives, and uncover the deeper stories behind the headlines. They will also explore ethical reporting practices and discuss how journalists can challenge harmful stereotypes while bringing overlooked perspectives to light.

• Restorative Justice in Action: Community-Led Solutions | Matthew DelSesto

  This workshop explores the growing movement to center community perspectives in justice conversations and decision-making, emphasizing restorative justice as an alternative to punitive systems. Participants will examine how community collaboration, resource-building, and restorative practices can prevent harm, address developmental needs, and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.

• Understanding the School-to-Prison Pipeline | Leon Smith & Avery Farmer

  This session will explore the dual pathways that push students out of school and into the justice system: excessive suspensions/expulsions and in-school arrests for behaviors better addressed through restorative practices. Participants will discuss the impact of these practices and learn about alternative approaches that keep students connected to their school community and on a path to success.

• Youth Confinement: The Big Picture | Leah Wang

  In this workshop, participants will learn about how youth are confined in the United States. There are various ways that youth are brought into juvenile justice and adult criminal-legal systems, and various ways that data are captured and published. Using Prison Policy Initiative's powerful data aggregation and visualization techniques, we will look at the youth justice system in as many ways as we can, noticing trends, disparities, and opportunities for meaningful change.