Commencement inside Prison Walls
At a San Diego prison, a unique group of inmates, including Erik Menendez, one of the most famous prisoners inside the facility, can now call themselves college graduates. They were awarded their college diplomas from UC Irvine at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego Wednesday.
The UCI Lifted Program
This is the second graduating class from UCI’s lifted program which gives inmates the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree behind bars. All 15 graduates majored in sociology with 11 of them minoring in English. Last year was the first UCI Lifted graduating class, which included the elder Menendez brother, Lyle. Erik did not attend the commencement ceremony Wednesday as he wished to avoid cameras and media coverage, according to prison staff.
The Menendez Brothers
The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of the shotgun murders of their parents inside their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989, are awaiting a state parole board hearing scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22 after their sentences were reduced in May. The brothers’ attorneys have argued their pursuit of education inside the prison showed they have been rehabilitated and do not pose threat to public safety.
Stories of Redemption
Joel Baptiste Abreu, another graduating inmate, was sentenced to life for accessory murder but education gave him another chance. “I was able to absorb knowledge and really understand I could do things I didn’t think I could – those small victories translated to big ones,” Abreu said. Jose Flores, a former gang member and now in prison for 13 years, celebrated his accomplishment hugging his mom. “She’s just so proud,” Flores said while holding back tears. “My life was out of control, so for her to see me, for her to share this special moment with me, it means the world for her.”
A New Path
Flores was able to walk with pride and purpose after not expecting being a college graduate was in the cards for him. “I still can’t believe it. I took a college class. I took a chance I didn’t think I would do well,” Flores said. “At the end of the semester, I ended up getting a ‘B’, and I was like you know what? That made me believe I could do it.” Most of UCI’s nearly 9,000 graduates took part in their commencement ceremonies a few days ago.
Conclusion
The UCI Lifted program has provided a unique opportunity for inmates to earn their college degrees, giving them a chance to redeem themselves and start anew. The stories of the Menendez brothers, Joel Baptiste Abreu, and Jose Flores are a testament to the power of education and rehabilitation. As these individuals look to the future, their college degrees will undoubtedly play a significant role in their journey towards a better life.
FAQs
Q: What is the UCI Lifted program?
A: The UCI Lifted program is an initiative that allows inmates to earn their bachelor’s degree behind bars.
Q: How many graduates were in the second graduating class?
A: There were 15 graduates in the second graduating class.
Q: What majors and minors did the graduates pursue?
A: The graduates majored in sociology, with 11 of them minoring in English.
Q: What is the current status of the Menendez brothers?
A: The Menendez brothers are awaiting a state parole board hearing scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22 after their sentences were reduced in May.
