Amidst scorching temperatures, a federal judge has mandated Louisiana to enhance the health and safety measures for incarcerated workers laboring in the fields of a historical slave plantation. The judge warned of the 'substantial risk of injury or death' faced by these prisoners and demanded immediate action from the state.
Judge's Call for Change
U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson handed down a temporary restraining order, compelling the state department of corrections to devise a plan within the next seven days to ameliorate conditions on the farm line at Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola. Jackson highlighted issues such as lack of adequate shade, insufficient breaks, and failure to provide essential protections like sunscreen and medical assessments for individuals susceptible to extreme temperatures. However, the judge refrained from completely halting farm line operations during heat indexes of 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 degrees Celsius) or higher, a move requested by the plaintiffs.
National Spotlight on Prison Labor
This directive comes in the midst of mounting national scrutiny on prison labor practices. An extensive Associated Press investigation spanning two years unveiled the ties of major corporations, including Walmart and Burger King, to Angola and other prison farms, where inmates receive derisory wages or no compensation at all. Subsequently, several companies, such as Cargill, have announced the severance of connections with prison-related entities or businesses employing incarcerated individuals.
Critical Conditions
With escalating temperatures statewide, Judge Jackson emphasized the criticality of addressing the heat issue in Louisiana as a matter of life and death. He stated that the conditions on the farm line pose a serious risk of harm or fatality to the prisoners. Lydia Wright from The Promise of Justice Initiative, representing the plaintiffs, commended the court's decision, describing the farm line's impact as longstanding physical and psychological damage inflicted on generations of individuals. She noted that this ruling marks the first acknowledgment by a court of the cruelty and unusualness of the practices at Angola.
State's Opposition and Next Steps
In response to the ruling, Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections conveyed a strong disagreement with the court's verdict and has initiated the appeals process with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Spokesperson Ken Pastorick mentioned that the department is currently reviewing the ruling comprehensively and reserves the right to provide detailed comments later.