A Senior Capstone Experience by Dylan Snow

Submitted to the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology

Advised by Dr. Emily Steinmetz

Contributor Biography: Dylan Snow graduated summa cum laude from Washington College in the Spring of 2023 with a B.A. in Anthropology and Political Science. Dylan spent his time at the College involved in Student Government Association, Kappa Sigma, WACapella, Model United Nations, and College Democrats. In addition, Dylan is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Alpha, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies. In addition, Dylan was also awarded the Lambda Alpha, Gamma of Maryland Senior Award by the Department Anthropology & Archaeology, as well as departmental honors. Post-grad, Dylan is serving with AmeriCorps as a part of their National Civilian Community Corps, an intensive 10-month service learning program working to strengthen communities nationwide, as he decides how to pursue his passion for civil rights and justice professionally.

Description: To millions of incarcerated Americans, parole is an opportunity to return to society and redefine themselves. But who decides if somebody is granted parole? In the United States, parole boards have the near absolute power to determine whether somebody can have a second chance— or if they are defined by their past. Through academic research and the firsthand perspectives of incarcerated people, it becomes evident that this system is fundamentally unfair and antithetical to the very idea of rehabilitation that it is based on. However, there are changes that can be made to make the process more just and faithful to its goal.

Read Dylan’s SCE below: