Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter

IN CELEBRATION OF SHARED WORK AND LASTING IMPACT

Coming together and practicing love & hope

In a joyful and moving gathering alongside one another through times of transformation, the Justice Education Center staff, Inside-Out alumni, professors from the Claremont Education Center’s commitment to creating spaces where dignity and care are restored, dreams are nurtured, and every student—regardless of their past—can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Together, we honored not just the end of one chapter, but the beginning of many more. A toast was made for Cody Ridley, a 4th alumni cohort graduate, who has been released and is receiving his degree in person. This event alone is representative of the many others that take place throughout the year. All may join to celebrate, observe, and reflect on the journeys taken together or individually for the work behind empowering justice education and the lives changed.

From the Claremont Colleges and Pitzer’s President Strom Thacker came together to celebrate students who are now new phases of their lives—coming home from incarceration, earning their college degrees, and pursuing new opportunities. The event marked more than just personal achievements; it was a collective affirmation of what becomes possible when education, community, and support are made accessible to all.

The atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and hope as stories were shared, hugs exchanged, and milestones honored. This celebration also served as a reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of walking

“‘I think that love is a requirement of principled struggle. Both self-love and love of others, that we must all do what we can, than that is better to do something rather than nothing, that we trust others as well as ourselves. I often repeat the adage that, “hope is a discipline,” we must practice it daily.’ – Mariame Kaba, We do this ‘til they free us: Abolitionist organizing & Transforming Justice”

GLOBALLY: CONNECTING PITZER VALUES

The work of the Justice Education Center at the Claremont Colleges is deeply aligned with Pitzer College’s core values—advancing social responsibility, intercultural understanding, and interdisciplinary learning as essential tools in the fight against mass incarceration. This year, our director traveled to Ireland to speak with university students in a similar Inside-Out program about the work transpiring in the United States, underscoring the global relevance of justice education. The Center has several meaningful ties to Ireland: our founding director, Nigel Boyle—who is retiring this year—has Irish roots, and students and Inside-Out participants actively pursuing or have completed Fulbright scholarships in Ireland, as well as study abroad opportunities. We also participated in conferences across the United States, for example, this year the National Conference for Higher Education in Prisons was held at New Orleans, Louisiana—further engaging in national conversations around equity, reintegration, and transformative education. Through community partnerships and student engagement, the Center continues to contribute to global movements for justice, sustainability, and human dignity.

LOCALLY: STUDENT DEMAND & IMPACT

• 88 total Inside Out courses taught since 2017.
• 717 traditional (unique heads) students have enrolled in IO courses.
• Students from all five undergraduate colleges describe these classes as life-changing, deeply humanizing, and intellectually unmatched.
• Many IO students pursue public service, law, social work, or graduate school rooted in justice fields.
• 40 Prison Pathways to a BA Graduates.
• 191 prison non-degree bearing students.
• Since inception, incarcerated students have graduated with honors, averaging 3.7% GPAs or higher and a 0% recidivism rate.

EMOTIONALLY RESONANT

SPACES FOR TRUTH: INSIDE ALUMNI IN CONVERSATION

VOICES FROM THE INSIDE

A journey shared…

This year, Inside student alumni from all four graduating cohorts returned to campus to participate in a powerful panel discussion reflecting on their journeys through the Justice Education Center’s programs. Seated at the front of the classroom alongside Professor Nigel Boyle and current students, they shared personal stories, insights, and reflections on what it meant to learn and grow within carceral spaces. The event created a space for honest dialogue, connection, and mutual learning, underscoring the importance of making room for voices that are too often unheard. These conversations not only deepen our collective understanding of justice and transformation but also affirm the value of education as a pathway to dignity, healing, and lasting change.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Scripps-Pitzer College Student Involvement featuring Vivienne Kaufman

Vivienne Kaufman, graduating senior, has helped out with tabling and promotion for the JEC during the 2024-2025 academic year. She wanted to help promote the life-changing work the JEC was doing after seeing it in action in her inside/out class “Dancing through Prison Walls” last fall of 2024. We are very grateful to have students and alum like Vivienne that continue doing Justice Education work.

JEC New Team Member featuring Veronica Morales

Veronica Morales is a graduate of CSU, San Bernardino. Joining as the Administrative Assistant for the JEC where she supports initiatives aimed at fostering equity and education within justice-impacted communities. She is instrumental in coordinating programs, managing outreach efforts, and facilitating meaningful connections between the university and broader community. Her passion for Justice Education began as a volunteer for the Prison Education Project and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, both of which she has actively participated in for several years throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies.

Pitzer College Student Leadership Awards

Watch out for these rising stars

The Pitzer Student Leadership Awards ceremony honors both individual students and student groups for their roles and participation in advancing Pitzer’s core values. This academic year the Fourth Pitzer Inside Cohort was honored with a prestigious Student Leadership Award for their outstanding embodiment of Pitzer College’s core value “Social Responsibility”. The cohort members receiving this recognition are: Marcus Barnett, Ryan Brennan, Terrence Brown, Ryan Curtis, Richard Gonzales, John Jeter, Theoran Laws, Kashus Perona, and Ayrion Whittle. Although the award was given in recognition of the men currently incarcerated, it was accepted on their behalf by Director Romarilyn Ralston, who delivered a moving poem. In her remarks, she thanked the audience for recognizing the power and potential of incarcerated scholars. She closed by reciting one of her original poems, reminding all present of the humanity, strength, and brilliance that exists within carceral spaces. The poem titled “Bars and Books” encapsulates the power of learning and the use of knowledge for someone who is incarcerated. A few of the stanzas read:
They said the gates were meant to close,
to silence voices, bury prose—
but somewhere deep behind that wall,
a question rose, a beckoned call.
What if justice wore a page,
and learning lit the darkest cage?
What is a cell could be transformed
when thought and truth became the norm?

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community Events

Throughout the academic year the Justice Education Center hosted or collaborated on fun community gathering events surrounding Justice, Education, and Reform. Many of the events included film screenings that blended art with advocacy. Before or after the screenings we opened space for deep dialogue on the urgent need for reform and the healing potential of creative expression within justice movements.

The Strike (2024)

A compelling film that sheds light on the intersections of unfair treatment, justice, and resistance. A post-screening discussion invited guests to explore themes of solidarity, organizing, and systemic change—further deepening the Center’s commitment to critical dialogue and transformative education.

Songs From The Hole (2025)

A powerful multimedia performance and conversation exploring the realities of solitary confinement through music, storytelling, and lived experience. By blending art with advocacy. The film opened space for deep dialogue on the urgent need for reform.

Sing Sing (2024)

A film based on the true story of incarcerated men who find hope and transformation through theater. The screening brought together community members to reflect on the power of the arts and human connection within carceral spaces. A thoughtful discussion followed, highlighting the film’s resonance with the Center’s mission and the enduring impact of creative expression on the journey toward justice and healing.

Guest Speakers

The creators of Songs for the Hole, who not only delivered a moving performance but also led an intimate workshop following the event. Their session focused on the role of community in resisting systems of harm, the impact of community policing, and the importance of men actively standing up against patriarchy. Through personal storytelling and collective dialogue, they created a space for critical reflection, accountability, and healing.

GATHERINGS SURROUNDING JUSTICE

WHERE JUSTICE MEETS COMMUNITY

In every room where stories are shared and ideas exchanged, we move one step closer to collective transformation.
Our director was honored to serve as a Keynote speaker at the 2025 Supporting Successful Reentry Conference hosted by the Project Rebound program at CSU San Bernardino. In a powerful address, she spoke on the critical importance of equitable access to resources and the need to uplift and center women’s voices—particularly those impacted by incarceration. Her speech resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the intersections of gender, justice, and education and reinforcing the role of community support in creating pathways for successful reentry and empowerment.

TALKS GIVEN IN LIGHT OF JUSTICE & REFORM

Our director moderated a panel at the UCLA Hammer Museum titled, “Fighting Two Battles: Inside California’s Inmate Firefighting Program.” The panel included insights and dialogue from experienced firefighters in different programs, Victor Figueroa and Amika Mota were a part of.
Pictured on left from left to right is Romarilyn Ralston, Amika Mota, and Victor Figueroa.

REIMAGINING INCARCERATION

Forging Paths Forward

From left to right, Dr. Daniel Pascoe (City University of Hong Kong), Dr. Charise Kubrin (UC Irvine), Lt. Anthony Banks (Malibu Conservation Camp)
As part of a special day honoring the retirement of Nigel Boyle, the Fulbright Program hosted a dynamic panel on prison reform. Professor Boyle, a founding figure of the Center, shared insights on the development of the Bachelor’s Pathway program at Pitzer College—an initiative that has opened doors to higher education for incarcerated students. The event welcomed international scholars, such as Dr. Pascoe, who spoke on global perspectives of clemency and justice, alongside a Dr. Kubrin who addressed legislative reform, grantmaking, and sustainable change. A powerful voice from a women’s fire camp program also joined the panel, Lt. Banks, highlighted the experiences of incarcerated women working as firefighters. The event was a fitting tribute to Professor Boyle’s legacy of visionary leadership, global engagement, and unwavering commitment to justice education.

Campus visits and welcomes!

This academic year, we had several visits from folks who take part in our work from inside and outside. Most notable of these visits are the welcome to campus’ that take place when inside students are out and can set foot on their alma mater.
Pictured from left to right are Theoran Laws (4th cohort graduate), Pitzer Professor Paula Gutierrez, Ryan Curtis (4th cohort graduate), and Romarilyn Ralston. This was Theo’s and Ryan’s first visit to campus, just a few days before Spring Commencement.
NEW Justice Education Center Coming SOON!
The Justice Education Center will be relocating to a new space on Pitzer College’s campus, Fletcher Hall, Room 101. The center will be open to students during the school week to stop by, learn about our work, and grab a snack or two. Having a dedicated space to serve and uplift all students and those impacted by the criminal legal system is a dream come true. There will be opportunities for student fellows and work-study positions. Please feel free to stop by and check out the new space and follow us on the journey of making change and leaving a lasting impact on the campus!

Farewell

On May 2nd, 2025 the Pitzer College celebrated the retirement of Nigel Boyle. After decades of visionary leadership he is leaving behind a legacy rooted in justice, education, and global engagement. As a founding supporter of the Justice Education Center and a champion of the Inside-Out program at Pitzer College, Professor Boyle helped shape pathways for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students to access higher education. His retirement was marked by a day of celebration and critical dialogue, including a Fulbright-hosted panel on prison reform. Professor Boyle shared reflections on the creation of the Bachelor’s Pathway, an innovative model that continues to transform lives. The event brought together international scholars, community leaders, colleagues, students, and loved ones. It was a day that honored not only Professor Boyle’s academic and institutional impact, but also the deep human connections he cultivated through his lifelong commitment to justice and learning. The Justice Education Center wishes him a restful retirement along with a huge thank you for all the work he has done for others.