Socratic Conversation:

The School-To-Prison Pipeline: The Effects of “Zero Tolerance” Policies with Natalie Millman, Thursday, 3/14, 4:45 to 6pm
Where:  Columbia University NY (RSVP to Natalie Millman at NatMillman@gmail.com – required to obtain exact location / address AND at http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/events/108095812/)

Schools and prisons, at first glance, may appear to have nothing to do with each other. However, “zero tolerance” policies instituted at schools around the country serve to funnel ‘dangerous’ students into prisons. Excessive policing, unequal sentencing, and the expansion of prisons all play a role in this phenomenon.

We will be addressing several questions during this conversation.
What knowledge do you have about this phenomenon from your own experience(s) or studies?

What do you think is more valuable – protecting law-abiding children or investing resources into rehabilitative services?

What would you like to see happen on a national, state, or local level concerning zero tolerance policies and excessive policing in schools?
What can we ourselves do to address the problem?

Suggest optional reading: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/denver-school-to-prison-pipeline_n_2725816.html

http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/02/in_2012_florida_arrested_12000_students_in_school–and_that_was_an_improvement.html

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Inspired by Socrates’ famous conversations with his friends in the marketplace of 5th century Athens, we engage in spirited discussions of ideas and issues. Socratic conversations range broadly and probe deeply into the basic challenges of life. They are informed by the latest literature for reference and follow up. While building a sense of community on campus, these meetings enliven the intellectual atmosphere and model dialogue and discussion as modes of inquiry. They are part of a year long series of Socratic Conversations hosted by the Gottesman Libraries.

This highly-participatory Conversation will be conducted by Natalie Millman, MSW student at Columbia University School of Social Work. Natalie lives in Manhattan and works as an advocate for a variety of issues; her practice specialty is in health and disabilities with an interest in the aging population. Amongst other activities, Natalie teaches writing classes in Manhattan and has facilitated formal conversations for groups since May 2012.

Next session: Thursday, 3/28, Topic: America’s Direction: What Values & Whose Interests Should Guide Our Choices?

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