“It has been 10 years since my release, and the memory of extreme heat without air conditioning haunts me, especially as the planet continues to warm each year. One of…
“While from time to time, our system does hold people of wealth, power, and/or influence accountable for their violations of the law, these kinds of cases do not represent the…
“When the state takes away a person’s liberty, it bears a serious obligation to provide them proper care, and the built environment is a big part of that. Cutting our…
“Every assessment and transfer deadline that passes without action delays the benefits of a transformed Rikers Island for all New Yorkers, especially those in the communities that have been directly…
“It’s an issue that seems to be within DOC’s control, something they can anticipate, and yet they’re really not able to make sure that the conditions are humane for the…
“We witness firsthand the challenges that our older participants face when they come to us, usually because they no longer have family to turn to after such long periods of…
“Scientific research very clearly demonstrates that solitary confinement is torture. It also shows that it is counterproductive in achieving its goals because it often increases an inmate’s violent behavior.”
“More than half of Rikers inmates are affected by mental illness and almost 17 percent have a serious mental health diagnosis. Yet throughout New York State, there are 30 mental…
“I know firsthand the toll that adult prosecution takes on teenagers. When I was 17 years old, I was arrested, charged, and sentenced as an adult, and ultimately spent 10 years…