Challenging the Stigma Behind Parental Incarceration: The Experiences of Latina/o College Students

• In Event: Latina/o/x Criminology Panel 1: Stigma, (In)justice, and Resilience in Higher Education

Abstract

In this study, we examined the experiences of Latina/o college students who had parents behind bars. We also examined the role of community college and university faculty mentors and program directors who worked closely with Latina/o college students who had experienced parental incarceration. We focused on three key areas including (1) the effects of parental incarceration on Latina/o college students' lives, families, and relationships, (2) how Latina/o college students navigated and challenged the social stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels associated to their parent's criminality and incarceration, and (3) the role of faculty mentors and program directors in helping de-stigmatize and support Latina/o college students who had parents behind bars. We found that student's lives, families, and education were impacted by their parent's criminality and incarceration. However, students were resilient and able to find ways to challenge these social stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels by succeeding academically. Students were also able to find support through faculty, program directors, and student support services that were designed to help students with incarcerated parents.

Author

• Jose Alfredo Torres, Jr., California Lutheran University