Justice Learning Initiative
Education, Collaboration, Community
Coe’s Justice Learning Initiative (JLI) provides a range of hands-on, high-impact experiences for students and community members to engage with social justice issues of pressing importance. One point of focus is community education about real-life impacts of the criminal legal system, the effects of incarceration and the challenges of reentry. JLI seeks to build welcoming, thriving communities through educational programming that enhances empathy and understanding. Participants at our events report that they are “eye-opening” and humanize people who are often seen as distant or different.
Coe’s Prison Learning Initiative is a college-in-prison program offering classes taught by Coe professors at Anamosa State Penitentiary, in partnership with Iowa Department of Corrections.
JLI is launching its first-ever fundraising campaign -gifts of all sizes warmly welcome.
Calendar of Events
For more information, contact Professor Gina Hausknecht (ghauskne@coe.edu) or Beth Valenta at bvalenta@coe.edu, 319.399.8523.
The Negro Artist documentary screening and panel discussion, Wednesday February 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Kesler Auditorium, Hickok Hall
Performance by spoken word poets Caleb Rainey and Kelsey Bigelow followed by a screening of The Negro Artist, an award-winning documentary about Caleb Rainey’s life, art, and influence. Filmmaker Nik Heftman will join Rainey and Bigelow for interactive Q&A with the audience after the screening. Free and open to all.
Poetry Workshop with Caleb Rainey and Kelsey Bigelow, Wednesday February 25, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Limited space available for high school students. Contact Gina Hausknecht (ghauskne@coe.edu) for more details.
Reentry Simulation, Thursday April 23, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Athletics & Recreation Complex (ARC) 218/219
A free interactive event, the Reentry Simulation provides a glimpse into the challenges facing those returning from incarceration. During the simulation, each participant role-plays the part of an individual recently released from jail or prison who is attempting to successfully reenter society. All are welcome.
Midwest Books to Prisoners Book Drive and trip to Chicago distribution center. Contact Gina Hausknecht for information about book donations or volunteering.
Check back for more details about upcoming events.
Recent past events
Reentry Simulation, Thursday March 6, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Athletics & Recreation Complex (ARC) 218/219
A free interactive event, the Reentry Simulation provides a glimpse into the challenges facing those returning from incarceration. During the simulation, each participant role-plays the part of an individual recently released from jail or prison who is attempting to successfully reenter society. All are welcome.
The Inside Singers, Tuesday April 1, 4:00 pm, Kesler Auditorium, Hickok Hall
Screening of a short documentary about the Oakdale prison choir in Coralville, Iowa followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Dan Kolen and choir director & University of Iowa Professor Dr. Mary Cohen, moderated by Coe Music Professor Luke Lovegood. Free. All are welcome.
Coe student Ashley Conde volunteering at the Midwest Books to Prisoners distribution center in Chicago
“Volunteering with Midwest Books to Prisoners has been an eye-opening experience. I have learned so much about the process and work that goes into shipping books to incarcerated individuals at different correctional facilities. I think the organization’s purpose is amazing, and it’s heartwarming to see a community come together and make a difference.”
Ashley Conde ‘23
JLI was founded with a grant from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest to help member colleges develop sustainable, ongoing community-based learning opportunities and is currently funded by the generosity of individual donors supporting JLI’s work to provide campus and community education about social justice issues, particularly surrounding the criminal legal system.