Articles by Super User

"From the hour of my first imprisonment in a filthy county jail I recognized the fact that the prison was essentially an institution for the punishment of the poor, and this is one of many reasons why I abhor the prison, and why I recognize it to be my duty to do all in my power to humanize it as far as possible while it exists, and at the same time to put forth all my efforts to abolish the social system which makes the prison necessary by creating the victims who rot behind its ghastly walls."        
    — Eugene V. Debs, from the essay, "Walls and Bars", 1926. read more

Bringing Justice to Vermont Prisons 
February 16, 2002, Burlington, Vermont

BACKGROUND AND GOALS

Many Vermonters have been concerned about our criminal justice system, which, although better than some, nevertheless has many problems. The last few years have given rise to several citizens’ groups that are dealing with issues like poor health and mental well-being care; transferring prisoners out of state; probation, parole and the furlough system; unfair sentences; behavioral treatment; sexual abuse; lack of meaningful rehabilitation; high telephone and commissary costs; and other policies that unnecessarily cut prisoners off from relatives, friends, and the outside world. Bringing together prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families, students, professionals, and activists from around the state, this conference took a hard and honest look at Vermont’s prison system, and explored the potential for improvement. Conferees also heard from those with direct experience, and work toward a united response. read more

In less than a year, the Alliance for Prison Justice (APJ) has established a statewide network of concerned citizens, professionals, ex-prisoners, family members, and like-minded groups. In addition, it has enhanced communication about changes in Vermont Dept. of Corrections policy, promoted broader participation in hearings, sponsored public events, brought together people living or working near prison facilities, and staged a successful conference.

In hopes of promoting closer cooperation and effective action between groups already addressing specific prison-related issues, APJ was founded in 2001 out of planning meetings organized by Toward Freedom, an educational non-profit organization based in Vermont. Looking beyond official pronouncements, a Coordinating Committee (CC) began to discuss the concrete problems faced by prisoners and their families, and consider potential solutions. Among other things, we concluded that effective independent oversight should be one of the main priorities. read more