Funding for prison inmate education?

Question

Should prisons make education available to inmates at the tax payers expense? Why or why not, would this be a good idea?
Specifics are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

It sucks that educational programs in prisons have to be funded by taxpayers, but there really is no other way to fund them. I have been a correctional officer for many years. If an inmate comes to prison with little education or no high school diploma, then gets his/her GED as a result of a prison educational program he/she increases his/her chance of finding employment once released. Also while they are incarcerated it helps keep them occupied and focused which cuts down on idleness. Idleness is one of the biggest causes for problems in a prison environment. If you were locked up 24/7 with nothing to do, you would probably go nuts. Programs give them something to concentrate on.

Answer 2

I honestly don't think an inmate should receive a free education, while the rest of us, law abiding citizens pay large sums of money for higher education. I think basic reading and writing skills should be provided to inmates that don't have them, but only at a basic, cost effective level. I believe any costs associated with incarceration should have to be paid back by the inmate after there release.

Answer 3

To a certain extent -- yes. GED programs and others can only help someone with limited education to adjust to the outside world once they get out. The point is, if they have their mind on their studies they will develop different attitudes and mature and this is the best part.

Answer 4

Public Education been around for a while.

Joke is go to jail to get educated!

Answer 5

NO, let em rot in jail