Even though it has been 17 years since Kirk Bloodsworth, wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for rape and murder, was freed from the confinement of a jail cell, the memories of his incarceration still haunt him.

"It's a constant struggle. You never escape the pain of being locked up for a crime you had nothing to do with," said Bloodsworth, fighting back tears as he recounted those dark days in prison and answered students' questions during an emotional discussion Monday in Persson Auditorium, part of a three-day symposium about wrongful convictions.