Editor’s note: Julie Barnard is an incarcerated student in Grand Valley State University’s educational program at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. The opinions expressed in this piece are her own and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Bellamy Creek Program.
Dear Lanthorn editor,
My name is Julie Barnard. I am a student in Grand Valley State University’s Bellamy Creek Program, which was written about on Oct. 28, 2024 by Lanthorn columnist Macenzie Conn. It prompted me to write to you in an effort to be transparent, spread word about the program and show that incarcerated students just want to be accepted into the academic community we are a part of.
The purpose of this piece is to reach scholars that I have an esteemed honor of calling my academic colleagues. I hope to offer a pragmatic resolution to the lack of transparency regarding the Bellamy Creek Program. The Lanthorn seemed to be the best vehicle for this.
When you think of the “college experience,” often you think of students, parties, groups, student organizations, learning and networking. At times, students get caught up in assignments, deadlines and life, forgetting we’re part of a community of academic scholars. Many students find themselves longing for a sense of belonging in their community. The same is true for non-traditional students as well. To this, I am no exception. I am a student of GVSU, yet I feel as though I am only half a member of my college.
GVSU is in the midst of what appears to be great divisions, lack of confidence in administration and a diverse political climate, which is full of uncertainty. It’s times such as these that simply airing grievances is not enough. We, as scholars, should also offer innovative and pragmatic approaches toward resolutions. This very paper published a column titled, “GV needs to be more transparent about its free prison education program,” and I agree. A realistic solution is hearing from a student in the program who is willing to extend transparency through communication.
I see things from a view that most people don’t get to see. GVSU events and happenings can be found on a myriad of platforms, and can be seen without having to set foot on campus. With this, I see the hurt, pain, frustration and division among members of the University community. I feel it is my responsibility to use my voice, platform and experiences to hold myself and those within my academic community accountable. We can’t simply admit there is a flaw, yet fail to take action.
What I don’t intend to do is sit back and point a finger at the University for failing to promote a program I am very passionate about. Instead, I see an opportunity for a student to rise and be a catalyst for change– a way to break down barriers and offer a transparent look at what some consider to be a controversial program.
Community begins with us. If you would like to learn more about a diverse, inclusive and supportive community of non-traditional students, I encourage you to look into the Bellamy Creek Program, and reach out to the Program Director, Aaron Yore-VanOosterhout.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Barnard
