Victor Rios

Dr. Victor Rios, a distinguished academic with a pronounced focus on inequality and its impact on marginalized populations, currently holds a position as MacArthur Foundation Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of Social Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

With an extensive body of work that includes theories such as the youth control complex, cultural misframing, and legitimacy policing, Rios has made significant contributions to the field of Sociology. Among his publications are noteworthy titles such as "Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys" and "Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth."

Outside academia, Rios has used his expertise to create Project GRIT (Generating Resilience to Inspire Transformation), a program designed to empower at-promise youth through education. His impact on education policy has been transformative, with his advocacy playing a role in the shift from labeling young people as "at-risk" to "at-promise" in California's education code and practices. In recognition of his significant contributions, Rios was invited to the White House in 2015 to discuss issues related to gun violence, policing, and mass incarceration.

Rios' influence extends beyond the realm of academia and policy. He has shared his insights and experiences in a broad range of public platforms. His book, "Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D.", provides a personal account of his journey, while his involvement in the documentary "The Pushouts" illustrates his commitment to public education. Featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and recipient of awards such as the 2013 Oliver Cromwell Cox Award and the Public Understanding of Sociology Award from The American Sociological Association, Rios' work has garnered both critical acclaim and public recognition.