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A Letter to the Editor This letter originally appeared in The Desert Sun (June 2003) as submitted by Ironwood State Prison CCPOA Chapter Board Member Terry Hammon. You can view this letter as well as other letters to the editor on the same subject via: www.thedesertsun.com. Dear Editor, Recently, there have been many news stories regarding the state budget and how there may be deep cuts to universities and colleges in California. At Ironwood State Prison near Blythe, about 250 inmates are enrolled in distance learning classes through Palo Verde College. Some of these inmates, who are serving life sentences, have committed crimes such as murder, rape and child molestation. What is most disturbing is that these inmates are being offered grants through Palo Verde’s EOPS program. I don’t necessarily disagree with inmates taking college courses; I don’t believe they should be given grants to do so. Students on the streets at other colleges in the state may need these grants to assist them in continuing their education efforts. The Extended Opportunities and Program Services grant program was established to provide educationally and economically disadvantaged students the financial assistance to get a college education and now inmates are being provided these grants. What type of message are we sending to California’s students? “Want a college grant, commit a felony and it can be yours.” I believe there needs to be legislation to ensure that these types of grant opportunities are provided to citizens in communities rather than inmates in prisons. Terry Hammon |
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