About

Our Story

The Justice-Impacted Student Organization (JISO) was founded by Florida State University students inspired by the journey of Eddie Fordham. Their goal: to create a student-led community that uplifts and supports justice-impacted learners.

Our Mission

JISO exists to build pathways of belonging, mentorship, and leadership for students who have experienced the criminal legal system — directly or through loved ones.

Our Core Values

• Belonging: Every student deserves community and opportunity.
• Resilience: We transform adversity into leadership.
• Education: Knowledge is liberation.
• Justice: We advocate for fair access to higher education.

Justice-Impacted Student
(noun)

1. A college student who has experienced arrest, incarceration,
   or other involvement with the criminal legal system.

2. A student whose educational journey is affected by
   the justice involvement of a loved one.

Our Vision

JISO envisions universities as places where lived experience and academic excellence work hand-in-hand — transforming stigma into strength and justice into opportunity.