Students Pursue Social Justice in San Quentin
A group of USF law students are putting their research skills to work on behalf of San Quentin inmates who are aiming to turn their lives around.
The goal of the San Quentin TRUST is to educate, organize and assist incarcerated men to become vibrant and productive community members through an understanding and reawakening of their history, culture and values.
As a USF undergraduate, Jentz and USF Professor Kimberly Richman formed a USF TRUST. Alliance, which raises money, organizes letter-writing campaigns, and helps prepare and present the weekly seminars that are the core of the TRUST program. Now, Jentz is getting law students involved with its newly created legal committee.
"I believe my work with TRUST has been enlightening, inspiring, and necessary if we are ever to make progress within the system. I wanted my peers to share the experiential knowledge of prison and the social justice issues it represents," Jentz said. "Sharing this message is a way to combat the misconceptions of inmates portrayed in the media."
In February, Jentz led 20 students - out of 60 who applied - to San Quentin. Once beyond the forbidding clanging metal doors, Brahmani Houston 1L was struck by the how much common ground she shared with the incarcerated men. "I think it is important for us as law students to engage on a personal level with the people we'll be advocating for, prosecuting, or even one day judging to see what is going on after the trials are over." said Houston. "Once you interact with people, it can help dispel myths we have about criminals, and reminds us they are human beings who suffer and have families they love."
"The misinformation the media portrays makes it easy for society to stigmatize and criminalize others out of concern for their safety and wellbeing." Jentz said. "But, at the end of the day, these guys will be paroled back into our community. Would you rather have a neighbor who has devoted his time in prison to learning the skills to survive outside of prison or the tools necessary to survive inside?"
While the student members of the legal committee won't give actual legal advice, they can assist in very practical ways. In addition to research relating to parole issues, the committee plans to provide instructions on how to prepare forms and documents related to issues like child support or divorce that many inmates face. The committee also has a list of rich topics suitable for law review articles or notes for authors to pursue.
To get involved, contact janice.jentz@gmail.com. For more information on the San Quentin TRUST, visit www.keepthetrust.com.
