South Dakota’s corrections system needs a new direction, not just a new prison

By: Laura Boesen

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: May 30, 2026

Words: 829

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

Day after day, the seats in my South Dakota penitentiary classroom filled up. I wasn’t offering shortcuts or promises. People kept coming back because the environment was different: a space where they were treated with respect, where they could think, contribute and take ownership of their time. Whether I was teaching employment readiness, GED courses, or creative writing, I saw how quickly people respond when they’re given even a small amount of trust and purpose.

…

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us