CJCJ co-hosted an event on April 17th, 2024 with the Chicanx Latinx Department of UC Berkeley focused on the school-to-prison pipeline and its impact today.
CJCJ brought historical pictures from our CYA/DJJ archive to highlight the abusive conditions present in these facilities since their inception. Participants viewed a partial screening of the documentary Tattooed Tears. This documentary was filmed inside of the Youth Training School (YTS) in Chino, CA in 1979. Many of the photos brought by CJCJ were taken inside the same Chino facility over 20 years later. Following the screening was an inter-generational panel discussion with former wards of the state speaking on their experiences inside California’s youth prisons and juvenile halls. Panelists spoke on the family separation, trauma, and stigma surrounding youth incarceration while also sharing ways they have found to heal from the damage inflicted upon them by the state while they were in their care. Our discussion closed with ways students and allies can support formerly incarcerated individuals on personal and systemic levels. The night ended with a reception at the Latinx Research Center.
The event was run by a group of students in the Chicanx 174 class, and planned with our Policy Analyst (and double Cal alum) Grecia Reséndez. This class, taught by Professor Dr Pablo Gonzalez, examines the function of law, the organization and administration of criminal justice, and their effects on the Chicano community, as well as the response to these institutions by Chicanos. We thank Dr Pablo Gonzalez, the students, and everyone involved for their efforts and intentions on bringing this to campus. CJCJ also extends its deepest gratitude to our panelists Gonzalo Curiel, Xochitl Larios, and Claudia J Gonzalez, thank you for your bravery and your work. Listening to those with experiential knowledge of these punitive systems is essential as we attempt to build new futures beyond youth incarceration and towards investment in community safety and care.
CJCJ will continue our public education efforts in regards to the abusive history of California’s failed youth prison system. If you would like to co-host a community event with us, or contribute to our archive of California Youth Authority and Division of Juvenile Justice materials, please reach out.
Contact: For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview, please contact CJCJ Communications at (415) 621‑5661 x. 103 or cjcjmedia@cjcj.org.
To read CJCJ publications on California’s youth prisons and juvenile justice system, click here.
