CCWF, university students hold debate

January 6, 2025

Erica Olson, an incarcerated student at CCWF, participates in the debate for Fresno State University.

Students from California State University, Fresno, took part in a debate with a twist: some are incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).

Watch the video (story continues below):

On-campus students debated Fresno State University students at CCWF.

“Dr. Monica Summers and I have been working all semester to get our debaters ready,” said D. Fraleigh, university professor. “(Today) we debate three topics and get a chance to show off how good our students are.”

Summers said the CCWF students were impressive.

“They’ve blown our minds in term of their skills and abilities to argue and debate effectively,” she said.

Jennifer Fletcher, who has been incarcerated for 22 years, said the debate program fosters teamwork.

“This is the first time ever in 22 years I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a team that is effective,” she said. “It’s a feeling of community and collaboration I’ve never felt before.”

Erica Olson, another incarcerated student, said being part of the debate team helps prepare them for reentry into the community.

“It allows for us to see both sides of an argument because when we get out, we want to be able to have these discussions outside,” she said.

Learn more about CCWF and rehabilitation programs on the CDCR website.

Video by Christopher Medina, Director, TV Communications specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications