Week 0: Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my senior project! My name is Jason Pager, and I have been attending BASIS Independent Brooklyn since the fifth grade.

Growing up, I’ve been deeply invested in understanding the complexities of the American Criminal Justice System—particularly the human capacity for growth and change within it. Aptly titled “African Americans in Penology: Repression, Retribution & Rehabilitation,” my senior project intends to delve into the nuanced interplay between historical and contemporary penal practices, focusing on their concurrent ramifications and how they perpetuate racial inequities within the very framework comprising modern-day correctional institutions. Ultimately, I seek to subvert long-held beliefs about the incarcerated, and pursue actionable measures to facilitate effective rehabilitation.

In furtherance of my prison-based efforts, I plan to draw from the support of my Faculty Adviser, Mr. Festo, and incorporate firsthand insights from Criminology Expert Emily Hove, Reentry Specialist Shanequa Gore, and Ex-Prisoner Audrey Wilson. Through historical analysis, qualitative interviews, policy evaluation, and firsthand encounters with rehabilitative programs, I aim to uncover the origins of racial discrimination in correctional facilities and suggest reforms that prioritize a humane and balanced approach to restorative justice.

Throughout this blog, you’ll accompany me in my exploration of the criminal justice system and its capacity for transformation. As we investigate preexisting models of reform and propose empirical-based solutions, we’ll contribute to and inform broader dialogue on correction, emphasizing the necessity for rehabilitation over retribution. I invite you to join me in my investigation of our justice system; together, we will explore how my gathered insights can shape public opinion and influence policy, ultimately advocating for a systemic shift toward restorative justice and meaningful reintegration. 

I sincerely appreciate your continued interest in my senior project; should you seek additional information on the matter or have any further questions, feel free to consult this link.