Young people of color comprise 38% of the youth population, but 72% of incarcerated juveniles. Why are Black youths five times more likely to be incarcerated than their white peers, and Hispanic youths twice as likely? And how did a young Black man, age 16 and accused of stealing a backpack, end up in Rikers Prison for three years without being tried or convicted of a crime?

We’ll learn that delinquent children need positive relationships with caring adults to succeed in rehabilitation programs, and we’ll explore the story of Kalief Browder, and how his experience became symbolic of the breakdown of the criminal justice system in New York City, and the reforms of the juvenile justice system that followed.  

Join us as we read excerpts from Burning Down the House: The End of Juvenile Prison by Nell Bernstein and two articles that detail Kalief Browder's experience in Rikers Prison, his subsequent suicide, and the reforms to solitary confinement guidelines for juveniles. Get started with the readings; also available under Course Reserves on the library's website. Post your comments, anonymously if you'd prefer, on our online bulletin board, and explore other resources and find more information about the IRC.