CSU Pueblo Adjunct Professor Announces Book Release and a Conversation on Transforming the Criminal Legal System
Release Date: October 28, 2022
PUEBLO – Colorado State University Pueblo is proud to host author and adjunct professor Dr. Patricia O’Brien for a conversation on Transforming the Criminal Legal System on Wednesday, November 2nd at 11 a.m in the Great Plains room located inside the Occhiato Student Center.
The discussion follows the release of “Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice and the Carceral State,” a book co-authored by Dr. O’Brien. “This book is a culmination of my career as both a social worker and as a teacher,” Dr. O’Brien said.
The text examines the current state of the criminal justice system and provides a perspective on decarceration from a social work standpoint. “We think that Dr. O’Brien’s discussion of a more humane, person-centered approach to the criminal legal system will be of interest to the community,” said Trevor Gates-Crandall, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work.
Dr. O’Brien holds the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus from the Jane Addams School of Social Work. She has spent her career in the field of social work ranging from the classroom to courtrooms. “I first became a social worker because I simply wanted to change the world,” Dr. O’Brien said.
During her time in the field, Dr. O’Brien has observed individuals who have been incarcerated in the system and followed their progress upon release. “When a lot of people come out of prison, they don’t really have a place to be in society,” Dr. O’Brien said.
The event is co-sponsored by El Movimiento Segue and the Department of Social Work. Refreshments will be provided and copies of Dr. O’Brien’s book will be available for purchase by check only.