Dr. Calvin Edwards

Lewis University hosted its Fall 2009 Teach-In “Go Directly to Jail” from Oct. 26-28 in the Sancta Alberta Chapel at Lewis University in Romeoville to explore questions from marginalized perspectives regarding the role of the prison system in the United States. Dr. Calvin Edwards, chair of Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies at Lewis University, shared his expertise Oct. 27 on the challenges of administering the prison system in the United States. Through his interactive presentation, Edwards provided information, questions and improvement suggestions regarding the current challenges facing prison operation.

Edwards acquired nearly 25 years of experience with the U.S. Justice Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons, serving in various positions including several senior management and executive positions. He was honored by President George H. Bush in 1992 with the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive, which is awarded to leaders with sustained service.

The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world, according to Edwards. The large prison population of more than 2 million brings with it many challenges for prison officials.

Edwards said the primary issues concern mentally illness, drug addiction, deficient education, gangs and terrorism. He pointed out that the issues are not simply the concern of prison officials, but a dilemma for the entire society. He suggested that better treatment options for those with mental illness and drug addiction would eliminate much of the stress on the prison system. He also emphasized the importance of a quality education system in the United States since he drew a correlation between a lack of education and crime. He said a majority of prisoners do not have a high school diploma. The battle of organized crime and terrorism continues, yet strides have to be made in the public sector before they can be truly addressed in the correctional system, he noted.

The Peace Education Committee is presenting the Teach-In. For additional information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Hoppe, associate professor of philosophy, at (815) 836-5312 or Dr. James Burke, assistant professor of theology and director of the Center for Ministry and Spirituality, at (815) 836-5786.

A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers nearly 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, accelerated degree completion options for working adults, various aviation programs and 22 graduate programs in nine fields. The 10th largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois is being honored for the sixth consecutive year by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.