NPDL.org staff put on our lab coats to organize another historic event in Maine! On Wednesday April 8th, 2026, the Convictionists of Maine State Prison hosted the vaunted Harvard Debate Council for a debate on US nuclear policy in Asia with a side of reimagined power dynamics.

 The Convictionists feature an integrated NPDL cohort of residents along with an active Maine correctional officer! Maine State Correctional Officer Bill Bruns joined this one-of-a-kind team in 2023 in what we believe to be the first ever officer-integrated prison education cohort. NPDL applauds the courageous leadership of Bruns and Maine DOC Commissioner Randy Liberty for openly supporting this break from normal power dynamics. We believe this is how the strongest bridges are built and it’s an honor to work with partners who can see beyond the bars.

To his credit, Officer Bruns volunteered to join our program and from day one he has been a very welcome addition. All cohort members spend twelve weeks each semester learning and growing together equally as NPDL students before debating together during a graduation event as teammates, against no less than the vaunted Harvard Debate Council! We are eternally grateful to our friends at the Harvard Debate Council who nobly choose to meet our students where they’re at behind prison walls. Thank you for caring and always showing up to demonstrate the unifying power of communication and debate.

Go to our NPDL YouTube channel to watch this unforgettable prison debate and be inspired. US nuclear policy is the academic topic but a beautiful form of social diplomacy is what you will see on full display. The NPDL community of practice is amazing! Join the movement. #decarceratingminds #socialdiplomacy

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