Vera Institute of Justice

Will McKeithen is a research associate with Vera’s Greater Justice New York (GJNY) team to ensure that the movement to end mass incarceration is rooted in critical thought, rigorous analysis, and truth. At GJNY, Will has worked on projects addressing bail reform, prison and jail staffing, and alternatives to incarceration.

Before joining Vera in 2022, Will worked at the University of Washington teaching courses on mass incarceration, policing, and social justice. They also worked as a community organizer with Black and Pink, which supports LGBTQ+ incarcerated people, and No New Washington Prisons, where in 2020, they were successful in blocking plans for a new women’s prison.

In addition to their work at Vera, Will is affiliate faculty with the School for Urban Studies at the University of Washington.

Will holds a PhD in human geography from the University of Washington, where their research focused on health care in women’s prisons.