The United States has the highest documented rate of incarceration in the world, a rate that has increased by more than 400 percent in the past 40 years. In response to this crisis, Bennington College launched the Incarceration in America initiative, which has included course curriculum, visiting speakers, theatrical events, think tanks, and four conferences focused on developing public policy and political action in the post-tough-on-crime era. Since its inception in 2014, Bennington has partnered with many organizations doing important work in this field, including JustLeadershipUSA, The Fortune Society, Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, and Housing+Solutions. Through this initiative, Bennington has addressed topics as far-reaching as higher education in prisons, the aging incarcerated population, women in prison, how to redefine justice and effect change, immigrant detention and deportation, alternatives to incarceration, and more.

Recent Events

October 21-22, 2022 | Continuing Education in Prisons, part II

October 1-2, 2021 | Continuing Education in Prisons

April 26-27, 2019 | The Role and Future of the Liberal Arts in Prison

May 11-12, 2018 | Immigration Detention | Watch here

April 28-29, 2017 | The Future of Higher Education in Prison | Watch here

September 17, 2017 | Women's Community Justice Project

May 6-7, 2016 | Incarceration in America: Redefining Justice | Watch here

October 3, 2015 | Incarceration in America: Fall 2015 Forum | Watch here

May 15-16, 2015 | Incarceration in America: Effecting Change | Watch here

April 11, 2015 | Higher Education in Prisons: Think Tank | Watch here

March 17, 2015 | The Castle: Performance

October 10-11, 2014 | Incarceration in America: Fall 2014 Conference | Watch here

April 17, 2014 | 40 Years Later: Rightsizing the U.S. Criminal Justice System