Why Advocates Oppose Solitary Confinement
On April 1, 2020, to slow the spread of COVID-19 the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced its first nationwide lockdown in almost 25 years and some state prison systems followed the federal government's lead by enacting complete or partial lockdowns. Solitary confinement, also called restrictive housing, became the first line of defense against the virus. But advocates and researchers believe that detention centers need safe alternatives to solitary confinement because of the long-term, harmful effects of isolation. How can we help them fight for our incarcerated neighbors?
When silence is not golden.
Imagine spending a lifetime in solitary confinement. That's Albert Woodfox's story. Later found innocent of the crime, he served almost 44 years in solitary confinement at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary. When asked what solitary confinement feels like, he told the Washington Post, "my suggestion is go in your bathroom and stay in there for 23 hours." While some might assume that solitary confinement is reserved for the most violent offenses, the Vera Institute found that low-level, nonviolent actions are among the most common infractions associated with restrictive housing.
There will be lasting effects.
Solitary confinement can cause physical and psychological damage that linger long after release. Even short bursts of isolation in detention facilities have been linked to "self-harm, violence, and suicide." Dr. Craig Haney, an expert on the impacts of solitary confinement, told the U.S. Senate that "the conditions of confinement are far too severe to serve any kind of penological purpose." In 2020, Haney filed a declaration in support of an emergency motion to release people from California's prisons, lessening the potential for the spread of COVID-19.
COVID Case Studies: D.C. and PG County, MD.
The Brennan Center for Justice has been tracking correctional facilities' responses to COVID-19, including which states are successfully reducing their prison populations. Unfortunately, Washington D.C. and neighboring Prince George's County, MD, are not shining examples. Washington D.C.'s jail has imposed a medical lockdown since March 2020, keeping people in cells for 23 hours per day. The D.C. jail also reportedly transferred roughly 150 people to private prisons. In Prince George's County, people awaiting trial have alleged, via sworn statements read by advocates and celebrities, cases of extreme neglect and unsanitary conditions in the jail.
Help Advocates Unlock the Box. Organizations that are part of the Unlock the Box Campaign are working together to end the use of solitary confinement in the United States. On their website, they list the following suggestions:
1) Watch and share The Guardian’s virtual experience of solitary confinement in a typical 6x9 prison cell.
2) Learn more about solitary confinement and share this FAQ with your friends, family, and community. You can signup for news about solitary confinement and campaign updates at solitarywatch.org.
3) Sign and share the The National Religious Campaign Against Torture's Statement Against Prolonged Solitary Confinement.