ARC staff member Jared Villery was recently profiled on Spectrum News, where he shared powerful insights on the dehumanizing effects of forced labor within the prison system and its detrimental impact on rehabilitation. Jared has been advocating for Proposition 6, which is on the ballot this November, to end forced labor inside prisons, opening up more rehabilitative opportunities for individuals and allowing them to focus on education and personal growth.
Jared, who served 21 years in prison, emphasized that mandatory work assignments hindered his educational and personal development. “I would have likely had my associate’s degrees three or four years sooner. I would have been able to participate in more self-help groups that were available frequently during my work hours,” he noted.
During his incarceration, Jared pursued a law education and represented fellow incarcerated people, but mandatory work assignments hindered his focus. “They don’t really have a choice to refuse. A write-up means losing all privileges, including phone calls and visits,” he explained.
