| Both corrections and correctional education are hindered by lack of clarity in purpose. This is validated by the literature. The problem is also revealed in the history of academic education for prisoners in Mississippi. This study presents a history and analysis of the partnership between corrections and academic education, particularly higher education, in Mississippi. The Mississippi prison system has been dominated largely by the punishment purpose. The penal farm concept, centralized at Parchman, was dominated by the punishment and profit motives. Literacy efforts were made from time to time by prison chaplains. Finally, in 1946, an informal Elementary School was organized at Parchman with prisoners as teachers. The school remained subordinate to the profit motive of the penal farm, however. Prisoner-students were allowed to participate only when the weather prevented them from working. In 1970, abuses at Parchman led to Legislative inquiries which led to the development of formal academic education programs. An Adult Basic Education School with state-certified teachers was founded in 1971 at Parchman. Still, education was subordinate to the profit motive. In the early 1970s, a federal class action suit, Gates v. Collier, brought an end to the prison-for-profit ideal and initiated an emphasis on rehabilitation. Consequently, education programs flourished and prisoners were even offered junior college opportunities. The present administration of the Mississippi Department of Corrections deems education for prisoners to be a priority and enjoys Legislative support. But overcrowding, arising out of a national trend toward a focus on punishment, plagues the system and has deprived the agency of the ability to expand education programs to meet the need. Resolution of questions of purpose concerning both education and corrections is needed if education for prisoners is to expand to meet the need in Mississippi. To promote such resolution, scientific research concerning issues of punishment and education is needed. |
