Law Journal Symposium to explore the barriers formerly incarcerated people face for successful reentry

LAWRENCE – The United States continues to have one of the highest recidivism rates in the world. How can formerly incarcerated people successfully reenter society when so many barriers have been put in place against them?

On Feb. 10, the 2023 Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy Symposium will host a discussion to provide ideas on how to reform the current system.

“This year’s symposium will host academics, legal scholars and reentry court graduates to discuss the most prominent barriers preventing a successful reentry for formerly incarcerated persons,” Symposium Editor Lauren Lindell said.

“Re-entry into Society: Examining the Barriers Formerly Incarcerated People Face for Successful Re-entry” will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Kansas School of Law in Green Hall. Breakfast and a social hour will open at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Register and preview the complete symposium schedule.

Speakers include:

• Judge Stephen Bough, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri
• Mike Fonkert, Kansas Appleseed
• Lucius Couloute, assistant professor of sociology & criminal justice, Suffolk University
• Emily Salisbury, associate professor, College of Social Work, University of Utah and director, Utah Criminal Justice Center
• Chidi Umez-Rowley, deputy program director, Counsel of State Governments Justice Center

Speakers will discuss current issues surrounding housing access, employment, fines and fees, and financial marginalization.

Scholarship associated with the symposium will be published in an upcoming issue of the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy. For more information, contact Lauren Lindell at kjlppsymposium1@gmail.com.