Dive into an inspiring episode as Kathryn Rubino hosts Albany law student Jonas Caballero. Discover Jonas’s incredible journey from protesting the Iraq War to overcoming incarceration and addiction, now excelling in law school and fighting for civil rights. A must-listen for a story of resilience and advocacy.

Highlights

• Reporting on human rights in the West Bank.
• Struggle with PTSD leading to incarceration.
• Roadblocks faced in re-entry post-incarceration.
• Rejection from multiple law schools due to criminal history.
• Persistence and honesty leading to law school acceptance.
• Overcoming 1L challenges as a non-traditional student.
• Continuous self-reminder of mission for civil rights.
• Role in Student Bar Association advocating for formerly incarcerated.
• Positive reception and support from law school faculty.
• Importance of amplifying voices of formerly incarcerated students.
• Law school environment fostering change and acceptance.
• Interning with the Abolitionist Law Center.
• Focus on international law and prisoner rights.
• Need for diversion programs over incarceration.
• Favorite law school experience: supportive faculty.

Episode Resources

• Class Action Challenges Denial from Prison Early Release Programs on Basis of Disability: https://www.kllflaw.com/news-articles/class-action-challenges-denial-from-prison-early-release-programs-on-basis-of-disability
• Prison Rape Elimination Act at 20 – Next Steps (Speech on Capitol Hill) https://youtu.be/JgrB33WnAGM?si=6NrxQZfMN-pl9_oD&t=1194
• Sexually Assaulted In A NYC Jail? Don't Hold Your Breath For A Timely Investigation https://gothamist.com/news/sexually-assaulted-in-a-nyc-jail-dont-hold-your-breath-for-a-timely-investigation
• Don't Lock Me Up, Help Me Clean Up (NY Daily News) https://www.pressreader.com/usa/new-york-daily-news/20181021/281547996870524
• NYC Inmates Call 311 To Report Mistreatment, But Is Anyone Listening? https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-inmates-call-311-to-report-mistreatment-but-is-anyone-listening
• Caballero ’25 Speaks to National Audience on Prison Reform https://www.albanylaw.edu/spotlight/student/caballero-25-speaks-national-audience-prison-reform

Episode Sponsored By
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