What We Know
Learn about the realities of the criminal justice system in our country based on facts.
How It Started
The History of The Prison Transparency Project
Dr. Angela Meyers: Champion of Human Polymathy
Dr. Angela Meyers is an expert on human polymathy, having authored the first doctoral dissertation on the subject and supervised the second. Polymathy, a concept embodying human flourishing through lifelong, lifewide learning, is central to Angela's mission of reducing suffering and enhancing human thriving. See drangelameyers.com for more information.
A New Learning Journey: America's Prisons
In 2020, Angela embarked on a new journey to study human polymathy within America's prisons. As she listened to prisoners' stories, she encountered narratives of abuse, injustice, and a criminal justice system rife with inhumane realities. This experience shifted her focus from academic study on polymaths, to direct advocacy and research for those who have been mistreated by government policies, systems, and representatives.
Advocacy for Justice: The Case of Shawn Rodriguez
One of Angela's key advocacies is for Shawn Rodriguez, wrongfully convicted due to laws that held him accountable for another person's actions. Through Shawn's story and others, Angela recognized a troubling trend: over-incarceration and a lack of support for citizens in need. See www.helpfreeshawn.com for more information.
The Birth of the Prison Transparency Project
The Prison Transparency Project (PTP) was born from Angela's desire to reveal the truth about America's justice system. By sharing real stories from those most impacted, PTP aims to highlight the flaws in current policies and practices, advocating for a system that supports, rehabilitates, and reintegrates.
Both Angela and Jen are system-impacted people, and have loved ones living inside American prisons.
Exposing the Truth: Incarceration Realities
PTP seeks to shed light on the realities behind prison walls, exposing how outdated and inhumane laws harm society. The project emphasizes the need for smarter approaches to managing bad behaviors, advocating for job training, mental healthcare, and rehabilitation over punitive measures.
A Call for Compassion and Reform
The criminal justice system should not merely police, judge, and punish. It must also support citizens and offer them compassion, or offer incentives to reward positive choices. A healthier, more humane society is possible when we understand and address the root causes of crime.
Driven by Truth and Humanity
The Prison Transparency Project is driven by a love for truth and humanity. By gathering data and sharing stories from those directly affected, PTP aims to dismantle the shackles of modern-day slavery and human torture that America's prisons have become.
Join the Movement
Together, we can learn, understand, and fix what is broken. America's criminal justice system is harming millions of families, and it must be reformed. Let's not stop until we achieve a fair and humane justice system for all.