Our resident culture writer, Meg Walter, recently attended a unique book club — one held in the Salt Lake City prison.
What is the book club?: It's a part of the University of Utah Prison Education Project — a group led to help provide education and opportunities for those who are currently incarcerated.
Here's what Andy Eisin, the director of the University of Utah Prison Education Project told Deseret News:
"I wish there was a better understanding of the human potential that exists inside of a prison. I wish there was a better understanding of the desire that so many people inside have to turn around their lives."
The research behind the group: According to a study conducted by
RAND, inmates who participate in educational programs behind bars are 43% less likely to commit another crime and end up back in prison. They are also more likely to find employment upon release.
“People are better than the worst thing they’ve ever done,” Elliot Morris, the volunteer who leads the group, said. “These are people who can change and they should be afforded opportunities to grow and embrace new ideas.”
Read more about how the University of Utah’s Prison Education Project brings literature — and authors — to readers behind bars.
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