Shad Hagan - Profile and Journalist Details

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Biography

Scholar, and Leader in Justice Reform Shad Hagan is a dedicated justice reform advocate, scholar, and nonprofit leader committed to dismantling barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals. Drawing from lived experience within the Oklahoma criminal justice system, Hagan has emerged as a prominent voice for prison accountability, access to higher education, and human rights advocacy. His work spans policy research, grassroots activism, and institutional engagement, all aimed at creating more equitable opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Early Life and Personal Journey Shad Hagan’s advocacy is deeply rooted in personal experience. As a formerly incarcerated individual, he has firsthand knowledge of the systemic challenges faced by those reentering society, particularly in education, employment, and civic participation. His journey has been marked by resilience and determination, leading him to rebuild his life through education and activism. Despite the obstacles of post-incarceration life, Hagan pursued higher education, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Corrections and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. These academic achievements not only deepened his understanding of the system but also provided the foundation for his research and advocacy. Hagan’s lived experiences inform his work, making him a powerful advocate for policy change. His voice is uniquely positioned to challenge existing narratives, demonstrating that justice-impacted individuals can lead, educate, and reform the very systems that once excluded them. Professional Background and Advocacy Work Correctional Case Management and Institutional Experience Before becoming a full-time advocate, Hagan worked as a Correctional Case Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) and later as a Behavioral Health Case Manager II. His role within the system gave him an insider’s view of policy implementation, prison conditions, and systemic inefficiencies. During his tenure at Dick Conner Correctional Facility, he witnessed troubling institutional practices, including document manipulation, inadequate oversight, and violations of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). His ethical concerns led him to speak out, even in the face of professional risks. His experiences fueled his commitment to system transparency and third-party prison monitoring, recognizing that true reform requires external accountability. Hagan’s insights were later referenced in investigative journalism, including Oklahoma Watch’s 2023 report on extreme temperatures in prisons, where he provided anonymous firsthand accounts of the inhumane conditions faced by incarcerated individuals. Bridges Built By Us: A Nonprofit for Justice-Impacted Education Recognizing the urgent need for higher education access for formerly incarcerated individuals, Hagan founded Bridges Built By Us, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to removing systemic barriers in college admissions, employment, and civic engagement. The organization is led by justice-impacted individuals, ensuring that those affected by these policies are at the forefront of advocating for change. One of the nonprofit’s central initiatives is “Unlocking Higher Education”, which focuses on removing the criminal history question from college applications. Hagan has championed Oklahoma’s HB 1980, a policy aimed at expanding educational access by banning the box on college applications. His research and advocacy highlight the detrimental impact of these background questions, which discourage qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. Through Bridges Built By Us, Hagan works with policymakers, educators, and advocacy groups to push for inclusive admissions policies, ensuring that justice-impacted individuals have the opportunity to transform their lives through education. Media and Public Engagement Hagan’s advocacy extends beyond policy rooms into media and public discourse. He has been featured in journalistic investigations, academic discussions, and public forums, where he brings attention to the realities of incarceration and reentry. He has written articles and opinion pieces, including his 2024 article on LGBTQ representation in Oklahoma politics, showcasing his broader commitment to social justice and equity. His work is also featured in legislative reports and advocacy campaigns focused on removing systemic barriers for justice-impacted communities. Additionally, Hagan is exploring the launch of a podcast, where he plans to discuss human rights in prison, reentry challenges, and the impact of exclusionary policies. The podcast would serve as a platform for amplifying voices from the justice-impacted community, shedding light on the human side of policy decisions. Future Goals and Continued Advocacy As Hagan continues his work, he remains focused on expanding Bridges Built By Us, securing grassroots and philanthropic support, and ensuring that higher education is truly accessible to all. His research into Oklahoma lawmakers’ decision-making on Ban the Box policies will provide valuable insights into how to create lasting legislative change. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, Hagan is reshaping the conversation around incarceration, education, and human rights. His story stands as proof that justice-impacted individuals can lead the way in reforming the very systems that once held them back.

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