Final answer:
The author believes that people with a criminal history should not be barred from pursuing education, which aligns with strategies aimed at improving rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's belief is most closely aligned with option C) people with a criminal history shouldn't be kept from pursuing an education. As indicated in the provided texts, there is a consensus that rehabilitation is more effective than punitive measures when it comes to reducing recidivism. Moreover, the societal and economic disadvantages that previously incarcerated individuals face, such as difficulty in finding employment due to criminal records and racial disparities, suggest that removing barriers to education could provide a pathway to reintegration and a reduction in crime rates.