Coe College Justice Learning Initiative hosting its annual reentry simulation
Coe College’s Justice Learning Initiative will host its annual reentry simulation on Thursday, March 6, from 6:00-8:00 PM in rooms 218/219 of the Athletics & Recreation Complex (ARC) on the Coe campus. The public is invited, and there is no charge to attend.
The reentry simulation is a role-playing event that provides a first-hand view into the challenges the formerly incarcerated face when they reenter society following prison. Those who participate in the simulation are given a fictional identity and a set of tasks to complete.
“I was able to witness and participate in interactions that my social & criminal justice classes had taught me, and experienced first hand the frustration that other participants were feeling. The simulation was set up in a way that was easy to understand and everyone could be a part of something valuable,” said Maria Bello Escobar ’26.
Each participant attempts tasks that align with real-life challenges a recently released person will face. For example, participants have to look for housing and employment while navigating transportation and visits to their parole officer.
“Last year, [the simulation] really made me feel the weight of what it’s like to try and start over after being incarcerated. It’s hard enough dealing with everyday struggles like finding a job, paying for groceries or securing a place to live, but this experience showed me how much harder it is for those who are just trying to rebuild their lives after being released. It made me realize how many barriers and obstacles people face, often without the support they truly need to succeed,” said Jade Concepcion ’27.
Once they receive their fictional backstory, participants will be asked to navigate a month in the life of that person. Each “month” consists of four 15-minute “weeks” during which participants interact with various stations that represent steps to reentry. Volunteers staff the stations representing different offices and agencies with which participants need to interact.
“Every time we do this simulation, we have participants tell us how much they’ve learned. Typically, they are really surprised by how difficult it is,” said John William King Professor of Literature and Creative Writing Gina Hausknecht, one of the event’s organizers. “They tell us it changes their perspectives in major ways.”
“The reentry simulation is an eye-opening experience as you get to see and experience the numerous hardships individuals go through when trying to reenter mainstream society after incarceration. I was inspired by the reentry simulation to pursue a career working with incarcerated individuals; this event has a lasting, maybe transformative, impact on everyone who participates,” said Gracey Swanson ’26.
The reentry simulation is hosted by Coe’s Justice Learning Initiative which offers a range of hands-on experiences for campus and community members to learn about the impacts of incarceration and the carceral system. The Justice Learning Initiative was formerly known as the Prison Learning Initiative.
Both individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is appreciated but not required. Those interested in reserving a spot in advance may register here.
To discuss availability of space for your group, or to find out more about the reentry simulation, contact Gina Hausknecht at ghauskne@coe.edu.