SUNY Cortland will offer a week-long educational series designed to disrupt the criminalization and incarceration of children and teens, from Monday, March 23, to Saturday, March 28.
Titled “Beloved Before Bars,” the series of six separate experiences leading up to a day-long one-day educational summit aims to teach care-focused, community-based and nonviolent approaches to accountability for youngsters.
Events are free and open to the public.
“Beloved Before Bars” represents a collaboration between the university’s Multicultural Life and Diversity Office, the grassroots nonprofit organization Save the Kids from Incarceration, and other campus partners.
The initiative, which aligns with the SUNY Cortland 2024-2030 Strategic Plan Focus for a Bright Future, is grounded in principles of social and transformative justice, according to organizer River Hunter Vooris, an assistant director in the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office.
“We are excited to cultivate meaningful spaces that raise awareness, inspire dialogue and encourage collective action,” they said.
Throughout the week, the campus community will be invited to critically examine existing systems while learning how to actively promote and sustain alternatives to incarceration that affirm the dignity, humanity and potential of young people.
“We welcome students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in this important series of programs as we collectively reflect on the systemic inequities that have impacted — and continue to impact — many young individuals,” Vooris said.
Internal registration for campus community members and external registration for the general public is required to reserve a spot to attend the “Beloved Before Bars Educational Summit” on Saturday, March 28.
For more information or to get involved, contact Kyrstin White at 607-753-4930.
The events include:
Monday, March 23
Opening Social: Hip Hop, Care and Prevention with Black Student Union (BSU)
6 to 7 p.m.
Corey Union Exhibition Lounge
Tuesday, March 24
Short Film Screening and Reflective Discussion
6 to 7 p.m.
Cornish Screening Theatre, Room C105
Wednesday, March 25
Let’s Talk: Transformative Action and Reintegration Policies with the NAACP
6 to 7 p.m.
Corey Union Voice Office
Thursday, March 26
Kingian Nonviolence Training
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Corey Union, Room 204-205
Friday, March 27
“You Are Beloved” Make a Mark: Bookmark and Letters
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Corey Union Fireplace Lounge
Saturday, March 28
Save the Kids from Incarceration Educational Summit
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Corey Union Exhibition Lounge