I do believe they can reform, but that does not mean they do not have to pay the penalty for what they have done.
Remember Karla Tucker? She became an avid Christian and totally changed. But somehow I sense that many who heartily took up William's cause were lukewarm about Tuckers; after all, one was a politically correct figure and one was merely a radical Chrisian...
In Tucker's case, Bush as gov of TX refused her clemency.
If Tookie was so concerned about what kids learn...like that he reformed, he would also understand and welcome the opportunity to teach them this last lesson...that you are responsible and will pay for your crimes.
Actual excerpt from the Karla Tucker story at Crimelibrary.com.