This past weekend, during the second coldest February in Rochester’s history, 38 university students, staff, and faculty members bundled up and gathered for a retreat ninety minutes away at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. The weekend retreat provided a safe space for building a stronger community, making s’mores over a fire pit, and displaying creative performances during a “No Talent Talent Show.” However, the reason for gathering was for a rather serious dialogue that brought about powerful emotions, discussions, and stories from members of our own university community.
PossePlus retreat t-shirt
A national conversation
Rochester’s ten posse scholars invited peers, staff, and faculty to attend the PossePlus Retreat to discuss the topic of “Crime and Punishment.” Lead by facilitators from the Posse Foundation, this dialogue occurred not just with these members from the University of Rochester community, but with over 5,000 students, faculty, and staff around the country at many colleges and universities this past month.
“I’ve never seen a retreat—including a wide range of media and activities—better managed for purposeful learning. I went in fired up about the topic, and came out with a much better informed view. The mix of student opinions with some older adult voices was pitch-perfect. I’m looking forward to going every year.”
—Jon Burdick, Dean of College Admission
Is justice equal for all?
What do you consider a crime? What crimes are “not so bad” and which ones are “really, really bad?” How do you decide who looks threatening at the airport, movie theater, school, park, or at the ATM? Does everyone who commits a crime belong in prison? What are the statistics on incarceration in the US? What alternatives should there be to prison? Is justice fair and equal? What kind of justice do you believe should be used—procedural, retributive, or restorative justice? These are just some of the critical questions raised and discussed among a diverse group of mostly freshman students. The group also took a look at several recent cases of crime and punishment and was given the opportunity to decide what type of sentencing was appropriate and compare it to the actual sentencing handed down. These cases along with participants’ own stories and experiences contributed largely to the understanding that different versions of the justice system exist for different members of our national community.
There is no weekend retreat that can solve, change, or fix the inequities of the American justice system. However, through active dialogue and heightened awareness on the issues related to crime and punishment, participants vow to bring the conversation back to Rochester and push for continued dialogue in larger circles.
“The Posse Plus retreat was an eye-opening and inspirational experience. It allowed me to acknowledge different perspectives on the issue of crime and punishment and inspired me to reach out to others about the issue.”
—Kavon Holley, ’18
“It was amazing watching our Posse family expand with such supporting and enthusiastic people.”
—Debie Aguilar, ’18
The retreat was led and facilitated by Posse staff and scholars, and made possible by the University of Rochester Office of Admissions.