Throughout the week of January 17, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice officially launched its new research center, celebrating with a series of lectures and a welcome reception in the Center’s newly rebranded space. The Center on Crime, Race, and Justice (CRJ) reflects a restructuring of SCCJ’s previous labs and centers, creating an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to making the criminal justice system more equitable for all.
To celebrate the launch CRJ brought in speakers with insight into some of the most complex challenges facing the criminal justice system to present to students, faculty and community members. CRJ launch week’s first lecture featured Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Arizona State University and the incoming president of the American Criminal Justice Society, Anthony Peguero. In his presentation, Peguero explored the ways we can ensure the safety and educational progress of students who have been historically marginalized, while continuing to address violence and bullying that occurs within schools for all youth.
CRJ launch week’s keynote lecture featured Bart Baily, Director of Violence Prevention with the New York City Board of Correction, who has raised important questions about bringing hidden cases of violence in prisons to light. Baily’s presentation examined current injury reporting oversight work by the New York City Board of Correction, a civilian oversight agency. Using the New York City jail system as a case study, Baily’s work investigates the compound variables that contribute to injuries in a correctional setting.
Launch week culminated with a welcome reception in the Center’s newly rebranded space. Students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the launch and discuss the Center’s upcoming projects and initiatives. Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Co-Director of the Violence and Justice Research Lab, Amy Farrell, shared opening remarks. Co-Directors, Carlos Cuevas and Natasha Frost, also addressed attendees sharing additional information about the CRJ and its mission.
