Bridges Built By Us Champions Education Equity: Advocating for Justice-Impacted Individuals in Oklahoma and Beyond

Bridges Built By Us, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and led by justice-impacted individuals, is at the forefront of a critical movement to eliminate barriers to higher education for people with criminal histories. Driven by a mission of fairness and second chances, the organization aims to remove the criminal history question from college applications, fostering a system that evaluates individuals based on their potential rather than their past.

A Vision Rooted in Personal Transformation

Shad M. Hagan, MS, the visionary founder of Bridges Built By Us, brings an unmatched perspective to this advocacy. Having experienced incarceration firsthand and the challenges of reentry, Hagan is uniquely positioned to lead this movement. His journey from serving time in both federal and state prisons to working within correctional facilities exemplifies resilience and transformation.

Hagan’s academic achievements further underscore the power of education as a tool for change. With four associate degrees, a bachelor’s in Corrections, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, he has defied the odds—joining a small percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals holding advanced degrees. His accomplishments stand as a testament to the potential that lies within those often overlooked by society.

Advocacy with a Purpose

Bridges Built By Us employs a multifaceted approach to tackling educational inequity. The organization works tirelessly to:

• Advocate for Policy Change: Engaging with lawmakers to address the discriminatory impact of criminal history questions on college applications.

• Raise Awareness: Educating the public about how these questions perpetuate systemic barriers for justice-impacted individuals.

• Empower Storytelling: Amplifying the voices of individuals directly affected by these policies to humanize the issue and drive meaningful dialogue.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that change is pursued at both systemic and grassroots levels, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond Oklahoma.

Policy and Legislative Impact

Hagan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around higher education and justice-impacted individuals. His participation in the 2020 Beyond the Box Interim Study highlighted the disproportionate impact of criminal history questions on Oklahoma college applications. This study served as a foundation for ongoing advocacy, prompting discussions about how these policies hinder opportunities for personal and professional growth.

A significant milestone in this effort is the drafting of a proposed bill to eliminate criminal history questions from college applications. This proactive step reflects the organization’s commitment to not only identifying issues but also proposing actionable solutions that lawmakers can adopt to effect change.

A Unique Perspective in Action

Hagan’s lived experiences and professional expertise make him a powerful advocate for justice-impacted individuals. His ability to connect with legislators from across the political spectrum fosters collaboration and progress. Additionally, his work in behavioral health and substance abuse has deepened his understanding of the systemic challenges faced by this community.

Within correctional facilities, Hagan has addressed critical issues, including advocating for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act and ensuring humane treatment for incarcerated individuals. His advocacy within the system complements his efforts to create opportunities beyond it, demonstrating a holistic commitment to justice reform.

Community Engagement Through Storytelling

Bridges Built By Us recognizes the power of storytelling in driving change. Through its Medium publication, Oklahoma Intersecting Issues in Criminal Injustice, the organization amplifies the voices of justice-impacted individuals. These personal narratives shed light on the human cost of systemic barriers, fostering empathy and understanding among readers.

“Our stories are powerful,” Hagan emphasized. “They remind people that justice-impacted individuals are more than their past—they are capable of growth, contribution, and greatness.”

Building Bridges for the Future

The work of Bridges Built By Us is part of a larger movement to promote equity and inclusion. The organization’s efforts align with national conversations about dismantling systemic barriers and creating pathways to success for marginalized communities.

Hagan’s vision—a future where criminal history no longer determines access to education—reflects a broader commitment to social justice and systemic reform. By removing this barrier, Bridges Built By Us aims to unlock the potential of countless individuals, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.

An Invitation to Join the Movement

Bridges Built By Us calls on Oklahomans and supporters nationwide to join their mission. Collaboration among community members, policymakers, and philanthropists is essential to driving meaningful change.

“This is about creating a fairer system where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Hagan said. “Together, we can build bridges to a better future.”

Learn More

To support Bridges Built By Us and learn more about their mission, visit www.bridgesbuiltbyus.org. Explore their Medium page, Oklahoma Intersecting Issues in Criminal Injustice, for stories and updates.

Media Contact:
Shad M. Hagan, MS
Founder, Bridges Built By Us
Email: [email protected]