Institutions of higher education have relied heavily on quality assurance mechanisms such as accreditation to ensure programs adhere to the most current standards. Simultaneously, conversations alluding to the impact of organizational culture have also increased, leaving many to question if relationships exist between educational environments,…

Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (BEST) and intersectionality, this mixed methods study explored the complex experiences of Black men who face racial and gender-based challenges in a racially systemic employment arena, particularly those with a prior history of incarceration (PHI). The researcher interviewed Black men with PHI…

This study aimed to investigate mental health counselors' perspectives on the challenges associated with working with legally mandated adult clients, as well as their perceptions of their preparedness to work with this population upon completing their mental health training program. The literature revealed that mental health counselors working…

This study examined the beliefs, perceptions, and lived experiences of justice-impacted Black males and focused on the impact of life skills coaching on their ability to overcome barriers to affordable housing, healthcare, and employment. The study affirmed the important role life skills coaching played in the sustainable success of…

Whether employers may inquire about an individual's past criminal history has gained attention in state policy arenas. In 2016 the Department of Education issued a report encouraging higher education institutions across the United States to forgo inquiring about criminal history on college admissions applications. To date, research on ban the box…

Higher education provides an opportunity for career development, enhanced societal contributions, and individual awareness of self and others. Individuals with criminal records represent a significant demographic struggling to access higher education due to barriers often created to address safety concerns (Bressler & Von Bergen, 2018).…

This study delved into the heightened risk of adverse psychosocial outcomes faced by young individuals leaving detention, encompassing challenges such as limited reconnection to education, diminished mental and physical well-being, persistent family difficulties, and social isolation (Altschuler & Armstrong, 1990; Altschuler & Brash, 2004;…

African American males have been overrepresented in the prison system in the United States since the 1970s. This comprehensive survey examines the influence of the prison reentry program on the lives of African American males after they are released from jail and prison in the United States. Jail is a place of confinement for persons held in…

This study explored how employers perceive desistance in the process of hiring ex-offenders for high-quality positions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten employers consisting of Human Resources (HR) professionals, hiring managers, and recruiters from organizations throughout the U.S. with the legal ability to hire individuals with…

Students' misbehaviors at younger ages can lead to more significant issues at the high school level such as dropping out, drug and alcohol abuse, and incarceration. The purpose of this study was to examine high school students' perceptions of positive reinforcement and punishment practices in their high school's behavior system. Two specific…

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experience of American conduct practitioners in their process of responding to reported racialized incidents. A diary method was used for participants to capture their experiences and interactions with the person(s) harmed and the offender. Of particular focus was the response of the…

Ex-offenders are a vulnerable population in society who are at constant risk of reoffending. The initial purpose for the research was to examine if there is a difference in recidivism between ex-offenders who attend high school after release and those who do not, as well as whether there is a difference in ex-offenders' psychological and economic…

The pursuit of higher education is a goal that is embedded in secondary education and often correlated with the American dream. This study concentrated on the barriers that women with a felony conviction face when pursuing higher education after incarceration. Based on the identified barriers, current best practices for admission to higher…

In this dissertation, I analyze the development and dissemination of state-level policies to prohibit colleges from considering criminal history for purposes of admissions otherwise known as ban the box in higher education. This research engages with practical and instructive questions of how individuals or coalitions can learn from other policy…

This study delved into the perspectives of twelve justice-involved students of color, specifically African-American and Latinx students aged eighteen or older, who are identified as serious offenders. The primary objective was to discern effective practices that fostered a meaningful connection between these students and their teachers, thereby…