I interviewed Dr. Jason Sexton, a sociologist who studies theology and the prison system, and the ways they intersect. We met before his talk on his new academic work that will soon be published; the prison and its eugenic logic. During our meeting, we discussed his thoughts and ideas on my research project, and touched on his advice for me regarding how to go forward in the field of law, specifically working towards post-conviction representation. 

During my meeting with Dr. Sexton, he told me a bit about his personal background and how he was formerly incarcerated. I won’t repeat what he told me about this, as I didn’t get his express permission to do so. I did, however, find what he told me very interesting, as being in any U.S. carceral system is sure to be an extremely difficult experience; making the things he achieved after being released even more admirable. He received a PhD from the University of St. Andrews, after which he became a professor of sociology at UCLA. 

He suggested a few pieces of literature to me which I’ve been looking into, and I’m sure will be helpful to the theory I will later use to justify my study’s findings: Discipline and Punish by Foucault, an academic journal titled Punishment and Society, which he mentioned discusses the length of exoneration processes of POC vs non-POC, Robert Ferguson’s work (specifically Inferno and Anatomy of American Punishment) and other broader sociological examinations of punishment and the prison system. He also suggested to me to look at an article titled “The Criminal Is to Go Free” by Johnathan Simon- which brings up the doctrine first written about by Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo, “the criminal is to go free because the constable has blundered”. This phrase and doctrine was recently brought up by Chief Justice Roberts and cited in Haring vs. U.S.; evidence obtained through a violation of one’s constitutional rights cannot be used against them. We discussed how this idea seems to be incongruent with the notion that the law can’t admit it’s wrong and maintain authority. This, along with the other theory and explanations for my findings we discussed, was one of my main takeaways from our interview. I think this idea of the constable and the criminal will be very important in my theoretical analysis, and I intend to read further into the topic. 

Dr. Sexton also made a few suggestions on how to analyze the data I have. He added that I should consider looking into class issues, and how financial means can greatly affect one’s experience in the justice system. He believes that class is also a very important demographic to look at, specifically examining who the law more readily punishes, in addition to race. One of my other main takeaways from our interview was that I can, and should, critique the system within my explanation of my results. Evidently I understand that there are many problems within the justice system, but I didn’t feel I had the authority to properly critique them. Dr. Sexton gave me the idea of adding his research findings and Griset lecture topic to my study; that the American prison comes from persistent eugenic logic. Additionally, he also mentioned something in our meeting that stood out to me; DNA and DNA exonerations will not change the system. Even though this may seem evident, I had not thought of prescribing remedies to the system in this way. DNA evidence truly does not prevent racial, gender, or class prejudice. I intend to look further into this, both for my capstone and personal interest. This felt like a big step forward to me in this research project, because I will now look into DNA vs. non-DNA exonerations, and possibly how race or class plays a role in who gets access to DNA analysis. Relatedly, Dr. Sexton and I discussed the exploitative plea bargaining system in the U.S., and how I could incorporate critiques of this system within my research. 

He also had some professional advice for me: to apply to UC Berkeley law, UCI law, and UC Hastings law. He also encouraged me to keep my GPA up, and continue to pursue work at the Innocence Project. 

Related articles on the “the criminal is to go free because the constable has blundered”, and work by Dr. Sexton:

• https://www.crimrxiv.com/pub/va4ejpb2/release/1 
• https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/should-criminal-go-free-because-constable-has-blundered
• https://www.juvenile-in-justice.com/jijblog/tag/Jason+Sexton 

Dr. Daniel Wehrenfennig

I was very grateful to interview an old professor of mine, Dr. Daniel Wehrenfennig. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, Irvine, and taught Conflict Analysis and Resolution at UCI. His doctoral work consisted of studying Israeli-Palestine and Northern Ireland comparatively, focusing on citizen involvement in the peace processes. He is also a founder of the Center for International Experience Learning (CIEL), where he traveled over a dozen times to the Middle East, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Columbia, and Northern Ireland. With his vast knowledge and connections in peace work, Dr. Wehrenfenning was very helpful in demonstrating potential careers in peace and justice.

Dr. Daniel Wehrenfennig teaching students in the Middle East through CIEL

I first asked him what advice he would give to a graduate with a Peace Studies degree. He said the student should figure out which of three avenues to follow. One avenue is the more traditional one, working as an official diplomatic in the government, State Department, the UN, or the Peacecorp. Dr. Wehrenfenning says joining Peacecorp can be advantageous if you follow future governmental work, and as you have demonstrated, you can survive and thrive in that environment. Another avenue is working internationally in non-governmental and non-profit programs like the Red Cross. There can be more formalized tracks, such as getting an internship and working your way up. One could also work on refugee crises and women’s rights through this avenue. The last avenue would be national and local work, applying peace studies to issues such as racial equity, homelessness, or mediation. Dr. Wehrenfenning says this could be a non-profit or city government applying peace studies to local problems.

While navigating these different avenues, I asked Dr. Wehrenfenning the pros and cons of working with the government vs a non-profit. A governmental job gives you a more formalized direction with job security, but it will take a few years to work your way up to start working on your interest. However, Dr. Wehrenfenning explains that working with the government may lead to difficulties in finding jobs for non-profits due to critical attitudes. In contrast, non-profit work may be impact-based with more independence, but the pay will be less secure, and there will be fewer benefits. 

Next, we discussed how one should navigate getting a Ph.D. or master’s and if there are enough opportunities without one. Dr. Wehrenfenning explained you should get into the workforce and discover what field you want to join, what interests you, and what else you need to learn before earning a master’s. Dr. Wehrenfenning also explained that a Ph.D. may push employers away as they may think you are overqualified, but it is helpful when an organization needs an expert. 

Lastly, Dr. Wehrenfenning emphasized resilience is crucial to success in a peace and justice career. To be resilient, you must manage expectations, pay your dues, and understand that getting where you want may take a few years. He emphasized that getting involved, attending events, and networking are crucial to growth in a career in peace and justice. 

One takeaway that most surprised me about a career in peace and justice was Dr. Wehrenfenning’s advice to get into the workforce before earning a master’s or Ph.D. I was surprised because I was under the impression that one must go straight from college to grad school, but his advice is crucial to discovering what field interests me and then learning the necessities to help one grow in that career. Another takeaway that surprised me was the importance of self-starting and the helpfulness of networking. Dr. Wehrenfenning emphasized that attending events, shaking heads, and networking are crucial ways to get your foot in the door.  

Dr. Angela Lederach

I was very excited to be able to conduct an interview with Dr. Angela Lederach and share more information/takeaways that I noted regarding the Peace and Justice field. Dr. Lederach is currently a professor at Chapman University within the Peace and Conflict Studies department and has spent a significant amount of time in Latin America, namely Colombia. Below is a synopsis of the questions/responses from my interview with her:

• Tell me a bit about your background in the Peace & Conflict field, including how you got involved in the field and what led you to your current role as a professor at Chapman.

Dr. Lederach grew up in a family that was significantly involved in the field, with her parents being very committed to peace-building work. She spent many of her early years in Latin America, namely Costa Rica, during the 80s solidarity movement in which she worked with the exiled indigenous leaders of the Miskito people. She has worked mainly with grassroots and civil society groups in advocacy/post-advocacy work and post-war reconstruction. With regard to her studies, she majored in both anthropology and peace studies at the University of Notre Dame. After which she spent two years in the Phillippines working on grassroots and peace education.

• I know you spent a lot of time working in Colombia. Can you tell me more about what you did there and the population you worked with?

In Colombia, Dr. Lederach was working in the Montes de Maria, a location where the Peace Accords implementation was prioritized, as this site suffered an immense amount of violence. Dr. Lederach had been working in this area since before the peace accords were signed and was studying and researching more to understand what it looked like for people to build peace and the language/rhetoric used to do so up until the peace accords were signed. Her research seeks to understand the differing relationship between the community’s and the national level’s peace process, and a finding has included that international peace-building interventions can undermine and really destabilize the fragile process of community reconciliation. Dr. Lederach is also interested in how civil organizations worked to advocate and combat harmful forms of intervention in a way that called for changes while still supporting a peace accord and resolution. 

• What has been your favorite part about working in the Peace and Conflict field?

Dr. Lederach explained that she loves that this is an applied field that is engaged. She highlighted that in this field, we are asking questions in really empirical ways that help us understand the significant questions of “What reduces violence?” and “How can we create peace?” The field is proactive and has implications for policy and future peace efforts. She also mentioned that she truly loves the depth of the commitment that people within the field show toward creating a better and more peaceful world. 

• Do you have any advice for graduating university students who want to enter this field?

Dr. Lederach explained that there is not a clear pathway when you study peace and conflict, unlike other areas in which there is more of a linear pathway to your career. With this, she stressed that our studies and this field have skills that are directly applicable and useful to any path you decide to take or any specific focus you are exploring. The concepts, theories, questions, and commitments apply everywhere, whether in healthcare, the United Nations, or otherwise. While this is a good thing, it can also be overwhelming; too many paths can make narrowing down your future challenging. Her advice thus was that instead of seeking a singular pathway or answer, focus on identifying the core areas that deeply resonate with you and ask yourself, “What skills have I developed/do I need to develop for this area, and how will I apply them?” From there, it is about applying yourself and seeking the experiences and opportunities to push you forward.

This interview provided me with a couple of takeaways that really surprised me and also helped me understand the potential for my future career in the peace and justice field. The first important takeaway is that the peace and justice field encompasses such a wide variety of different pathways and possibilities for what my future career could look like. It can range from working in the non-profit sector grassroots activism to working for the United Nations and other international organizations. With that being said, it is vital that I recognize that this is both beneficial and also a bit of a struggle. In order for me to truly find what direction I want to go in, I need to identify my core passions and the ways in which I can reach those areas. The second takeaway is that this field often requires a good amount of moving around as opportunities and needs are present all around the world. That said, it does not really bother me, but it is something that I should keep in mind while planning out my next steps after graduation and something I should be prepared for going forward.

The individual that I chose to interview was my cousin Anais Amer. She has always been one of those people I looked up to from a young age. She always did as she pleased, moved where she wanted, and never failed to speak her mind. Anais taught me what it means to be an activist. She is one of the most outspoken individuals I know, always speaking for and demanding justice. Anais has worked hard to connect with her Palestinian heritage and share her experiences with the world. She attended high school in Jordan, college in the United States, and soon after returned to teach at the very high school she attended.

I have witnessed Anais’s activism through the years. When she was just first learning to find her voice, when it was its loudest, and where it is today. Today, is where our interview mainly focussed. I wanted to see what it was like to be a high school teacher and where her activism fit into her life now. I was curious to see how she continued to practice and preach what she cared about most, the liberation of Palestine, while balancing her job. I wondered if this was possible? Could these two sides of her co-exist? Would she have to give one or the other up?

We checked in on one another. As Palestinians, these past few months have been hard to live with. Continuing our every day lives while a genocide unfolds is not an easy task. Especially when not enough of the world is listening. “There have been moments of fear, sadness, and also strength and resilience” Anais says as she described the emotional roller coaster she has been one; one that many can relate to. Anais has come to learn over the years that you do not have to be not he front lines to be doing good work. All activism is important. Even as a teacher, teaching history and English, Anais has not pushed an agenda on students but she has rather taught them the truth. And more importantly, she has given them the tools to find the truth themselves. Anais acknowledged that she feels her role as an outward activist has lessened over the years and she really tries to make an impact through her teaching; she is an activist through her teaching. The beautiful thing is that her ways of teaching and truth telling are encouraged by her administration. She is not silenced by anyone. Most of her students are Arab, Palestinian, Jordanian, etc. This is all their history and their roots. Anais works hard to make sure her students know they have a voice that deserves and needs to be heard. Below is a poster that Anais has hung in her classroom. 

We lastly discussed her more personal feelings towards her own activism and not so much in the classroom. Sadly, Anais has had to censor herself over the years as she has faced backlash for much of what she has shared on social media. Her accounts are not private and her activism account BintFalisteen is only shared with her inner circle. She also shared with me that while she often tries to organize rallies in Jordan, it is difficult with her not being a Jordanian citizen. That however has not stopped her from conversation with those different from her and even changing the minds of “devout zionists”.

I walked away from this interview learning many things about my cousin and myself. But what most stuck with me was that activism can take shape in any form. It does not just mean protesting and marching with signs. And nice importantly what also stated out to me from this interview is that we must teach the generations below us to demand action. Every generation below will be the ones to carry on the movements that we care so deeply for now. What Anais does, by teaching her student to find the truth and demand justice, is what this world needs. She is raising the next generation of activists. Many times we see people care about a movement for a moment of time and once it leaves the news, everyone forgets. Anais’s approach is one that makes a struggling peoples problem, our problem. I think those are two of the most important things when it comes to peace, justice, and protest.

Anais continues to do the important work, and that is of teaching and guiding the generation below her to create a more well rounded and educated group of individuals and encourage them to make the change they want to see in the world. Anais has grown so much as an individual and hopes to continue to do so. She is a proud Palestinian, as am I, and even more proud to call her my cousin.

The person I interviewed in the Peace Studies Department was Dr. Dani Smith. The reason why I interviewed her was because I took her course in mediation last semester. I found it really interesting and eye opening, especially with the use of mediation on an international level. I asked her a total of 4 questions.

The first question I asked was what peace studies as a field meant to her. She explained that over different generations it changed; she first started getting involved due to the Vietnam War, and how things could change with a different approach to these conflicts. However, many viewed the study to be something along the lines of hippie culture, mostly correlating the field/ideas to the phrase “make love, not war”. Despite this misunderstanding of the field, she found it interesting and helpful to be able to understand conflicts in an intelligent manner, as well as discuss and articulate the fears surrounding specific conflicts with those who study in the field. The second question I asked was, “What do you think when you hear peace as a profession?” She replied that it’s a profession needed to understand all levels of conflict, from interpersonal, psychological, historical, and cultural. What also needs to be examined is the spillover effect of such violence, such as generational trauma, in long lasting cases. She explains that the profession delves deeper into the difference in individualistic and collectivist cultures, and how as people we need a balance of both, or else there will be issues of exclusion or outcasts amongst community members. The next question I asked her was whether or not there’s been a big change in the department since she started working at Chapman. I found this question to be relevant because professors can come from different backgrounds, but now come together to work in a department where the concept of peace studies can be interpreted differently between each person. She said that Don Will, who founded the department at Chapman in 1993, worked with her to create a class that taught mediation, as mediation is a huge part in Peace Studies. The course started off as 1 unit, but over time as the class became more established, it went up to 3 units, making it the class we know of today.

The last question I asked was whether or not Dr. Smith believed that mediation can benefit large level conflicts, or if there are only sufficient results for interpersonal conflicts. She said that mediation can be successful for international level conflicts, but the mediator must remain neutral and unbiased between the two parties. No one can have some sort of stake in the game, such as a country being a well known ally of one of the parties, as this leads to bias. Despite all this, she’s hopeful that it is another solution that we can eventually come to rely on in the international sphere. 

Through my conversation with Dr. Smith, I felt like I learned a lot from a professor’s perspective about the field and department. As students we’re expected to take in all the information without truly understanding why the professor teaches the concept the way they do and why they feel so passionately about the topic they teach. For Dr. Smith, mediation is not just an act of resolution, but something that can bring peace and less war to the world. There can be a decrease of violence, starting from cultural, going all the way down to interpersonal.