{"id":43220,"date":"2025-12-31T16:37:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T21:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/?p=43220"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:21:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T20:21:21","slug":"more-than-10-of-incarcerated-students-could-lose-access-to-higher-education-under-hb-338","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/campus-life\/2025\/12\/31\/more-than-10-of-incarcerated-students-could-lose-access-to-higher-education-under-hb-338\/","title":{"rendered":"More than 10% of incarcerated students could lose access to higher education under HB 338"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

House Bill 338, legislation intended to improve and reform prison security, was passed by the Ohio House<\/a> in November. One of the most notable changes was that it requires the complete elimination of higher education at high security facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would result in around 10% of incarcerated students automatically losing access<\/a> to higher education in high security facilities, and potentially more due to ambiguity regarding how different facilities are classified.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The killing of Andy Lansing, an Ohio corrections officer, inspired HB 338.<\/strong> CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS FOUNDATION<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The bill was proposed in response to the death of Andy Lansing<\/a>, a corrections officer, in December 2024 at the hands of an inmate. This event raised concerns about safety for those who work in correctional facilities, and proponents of HB 338<\/a> say that it will make the systems safer for employees and more conducive to inmate rehabilitation. Many of them said they hope \u201ccommon sense prevails\u201d and that the bill will pass the Senate now that it has been passed by the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However there are several provisions in the bill that have drawn criticism<\/a> for being unrelated to making facilities safer, with some saying that these provisions will not help with inmate rehabilitation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some sources argue that as it is currently written, HB 338 is a \u201ckitchen sink bill\u201d that will be counterproductive to helping inmates reenter society. They also claim that there has been \u201czero data discussed\u201d during the process of crafting the legislation, and if the bill is supported by emotion but not evidence then it will not achieve its stated goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others say<\/a> that inmates being able to access higher education is a \u201cwell-researched and proven predictor of recidivism reduction and successful reintegration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jarrett Maier, prison education pathway coordinator at Sinclair, spoke about the program’s impact earlier this year.<\/strong> CONTRIBUTED <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Earlier this year Jarrett Maier, the prison education pathway coordinator at Sinclair, stated that the biggest logistical obstacle<\/a> to providing incarcerated students education is the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. The ODRC is a government-backed organization that focuses on security, and its influence would almost certainly increase if HB 338 was passed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sinclair Community College is aware of House Bill 338 and its potential implications regarding educational opportunities in correctional facilities,” Maier said. “Sinclair has a long-standing commitment<\/a> to providing high-quality education to all students, including those who are incarcerated. We recognize the value of these programs for rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and preparing students for successful reentry into society. However, as a policy matter, Sinclair does not comment on pending legislation. We remain dedicated to monitoring the legislative process and assessing the outcome of any bill that may affect our operations, programs and students.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erik Larson, reporter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n