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Historically, many American prisons have been designed as institutions solely focused on punishment. However, speakers at the event highlighted a crucial shift in philosophy—recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and providing opportunities for second chances. In their view, education plays a pivotal role in this new narrative. As articulated during the ceremony, "when you punish somebody, there’s gotta be something about rehabilitation, second chances," and programs like Hudson Link embody this ethos by offering incarcerated individuals a chance to earn a college degree.