Solitary Confinement and the Threat to Human Dignity

*Marc Howard, Director of the PJI, offered introductory remarks.*

Cheleta Tuckson speaks about her personal experience of solitary confinement. — *Cheleta Tuckson spoke about her personal experience of solitary confinement.*

Sekwan Merritt, a former student of Professor Howard's at the Jessup Correctional Institution, offered his perspective on solitary confinement. — *Sekwan Merritt, a former student of Professor Howard’s at the Jessup Correctional Institution, offered his perspective on solitary confinement.*

Dr. Terry Kupers, the country's leading expert in the psychology of solitary confinement, answered questions from the audience. — *Dr. Terry Kupers, the country’s leading expert in the psychology of solitary confinement, answered questions from the audience.*

Tuesday, January 16, 4:00-6:00 PM
Copley Formal Lounge
Access the Audio From this Event Here

On January 16, the Prisons and Justice Initiative hosted a special panel discussion on solitary confinement. The discussion centered around a talk by leading psychiatrist Terry Kupers about his new book, Solitary: The Inside Story of Supermax Isolation and How We Can Abolish It.

PJI Director Marc Howard moderated the event. Additional speakers included the following formerly incarcerated individuals who have personally experienced solitary confinement:

Johnny Perez: Director of the U.S. Prisons Program at the National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Cheleta Tuckson: postal service worker, motivational speaker, and founding member of The W.I.R.E. (Women Involved in Reentry Efforts)
Sekwan Merritt: electrician, criminal justice reform advocate, and former college student while incarcerated
Marcus Lilly: recently released community outreach coordinator, current college student, and former student in the Georgetown-Jessup “Prison Reform Project” class that was featured in the Washington Post Magazine when he was incarcerated.