Posts by Daniel Throop
NPDL to Host Three Debates this Spring
NPDL.ORG is excited to share our official 2023 Spring Schedule! We are partnering with State of Maine Department of Corrections, Wake Forest University, Harvard University, and Boston College for three dynamic debate events. Register online at Eventbrite http://npdl-debate-mainedoc-bostoncollege.eventbrite.com/ http://npdl-debate-mainedoc-harvard.eventbrite.com/ http://npdl-debate-mainedoc-wakeforest.eventbrite.com/
Read MoreNPDL and Prison Education
On December 14th, 2022, NPDL leadership joined in community with other educational, correctional, legislative, business, and peer leaders from all six New England states to work collaboratively as a part of the New England Commission on the Future of Higher Education in Prison (nebhe.org/commission). The Commission is funded by the Ascendium Foundation and represents…
Read MoreNPDL at Harvard Law School
On Tuesday November 15th, I had the honor of speaking at an event for Harvard Law School’s Prison Legal Assistance Project (PLAP). Harvard PLAP does amazing advocacy work within the Massachusetts state prison system on behalf of incarcerated people. “PLAPPERS” (student attorneys) volunteer their time and talents to protect the legal and human rights of…
Read MoreUncaged Talent
“I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops.” –Stephen Jay Gould A powerful statement. Think about all of the human talent never given the opportunity to illuminate our world. Racism, classism,…
Read MoreMaine DOC beats MIT in unanimous 5-0 decision!
Event Organizers: Daniel Throop (NPDL), Brittany LaMarr (NPDL), Dr. Lee Perlman (MIT), Dr. Ryan Thornell (Maine DOC), Professor John Katsulas(BC, NPDL), & Adam Lee (BC, NPDL) Resolved: “The United States should adopt a constitutional amendment to require term limits for justices of the Supreme Court”. MIT argued in the affirmative on this topic and Maine…
Read MoreExpanding the League
Hello friends! After our amazing October 12th launch event between Maine DOC and MIT Debate (video posted on our events page), I am happy to announce that our efforts to expand the league are in full swing! Our collaboration with Maine DOC continues and we’re also looking to work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons…
Read MoreThe Origins of the NPDL
At the time of my incarceration within the Massachusetts state prison system back in 2004 access to postsecondary educational opportunities were almost nonexistent at most facilities. Educational attainment was capped at the high school diploma/GED level, so if one already possessed these credentials the doors to advanced learning were solidly closed. So, my peers and…
Read MoreNational Prison Debate League Launch at 12th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP)
The NPDL is very excited to be partnering with the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison to officially launch our programming at their 12th Annual National Conference on Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP). The Alliance has kindly offered this space for the NPDL to show the world the power of prison education personified. By placing…
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