CALL FOR ACTION REOPENING THE RUIZ VS. ESTELLE CASE:

 

                                                                      

January 4, 2025 - [6:43 p.m.]

[FREE TEXAS CAMPAIGN] CALLING ON THE STATE OF TEXAS: ADDRESS UNSANITARY PRISON CONDITIONS NOW!

ALERT: 

THE STATE OF TEXAS HAS FAILED YOU

*In a critical revelation, the Free Texas Campaign shines a spotlight on the grim realities faced by inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division. The current situation is a stark violation of the Texas Prison Litigation Reform Act, stemming from the landmark 1972 Ruiz v. Estelle case, in which the cruel and unusual conditions within Texas prisons were vehemently challenged.*

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

The prevailing unsanitary conditions, overcrowded facilities, inadequate medical care, and insufficient staffing in Texas prisons cannot be overlooked any longer. As stakeholders in the community and protectors of human rights, the State of Texas, its officials, and lawmakers must act decisively to rectify these injustices.\

PRISON CHALLENGES INCLUDE:

1. Overcrowding and excessive inmate populations.

2. Shortage of prison staff leading to an unsafe staff-to-inmate ratio.

3. Deficiency in medical personnel, causing substandard medical and mental health care.

4. Deteriorating living conditions—unsanitary cells, dormitories, and common areas.

5. Inadequate training and deployment of TDC guards and staff.

6. Incidents of staff brutality against inmates.

7. Flawed disciplinary procedures and lack of due process.

8. Abuse of inmate labor systems.

9. Mismanagement of administrative segregation units.

10. Denial of inmates' access to the courts.

A HISTORICAL OBLIGATION

As per the Fifth Circuit Court's directive in the Ruiz v. Estelle case, Texas prison officials are required to reduce inmate populations, bolster security, improve medical care, and elevate living conditions to meet established health and safety standards. Improvements mandated nearly half a century ago have been neglected, thus perpetuating violations of inmates' constitutional rights.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

We urge the Texas Legislature and the State's leaders to re-commit to the promises made under the Texas Prison Litigation Reform Act. It is time to be accountable, to allocate the necessary resources, and to honor the human dignity of those within the correctional system. We call upon concerned citizens, human rights advocates, and policymakers to join us in demanding change and accountability.

TEXAS FAMILIES DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR PRISON REFORM

The State of Texas has been found wanting in its duty to maintain humane and constitutional conditions within its prison system. As the Free Texas Campaign highlights glaring inadequacies, urgent intervention is imperative to address the deteriorating state of Texas prisons.

THE CRISIS UNVEILED: A FAILURE OF DUTY

Texas State Officials, entrusted with prison maintenance since federal oversight was relinquished decades ago, have allowed conditions to deteriorate to preposterous lows. Despite funds being allocated to mitigate these issues, the neglect and disconnect have resulted in untenable living conditions for inmates—a fact that should alarm every Texas taxpayer and legislator.

INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS REVEALED:

- Decades of eroding infrastructure, with obsolete equipment and non-functional toilets, showers, and sinks.

- Flooded medical and kitchen facilities leading to unsanitary food preparation methods.

- Exposure to contaminated drinking water, causing illness and risking inmate health.

- Negligent response to complaints and documented grievances, leaving issues unaddressed until state intervention was pleaded.

A CALL FOR TRANSPARENT ACTION AND LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION

In a recent galvanizing move, a mere grant—unutilized until legislators were alerted—has stirred minimal responses. However, this is not enough. We demand that Texas lawmakers assert responsibility and conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Texas prison facilities. It's time to confront the harsh realities and take transformative action.

REOPENING THE RUIZ VS. ESTELLE CASE:

In the spirit of justice and human rights, we call upon the judiciary to reopen the Ruiz vs. Estelle case. The need to revisit this civil rights class-action lawsuit is paramount to ensure inmates' constitutional rights are upheld, and measures taken to alleviate overcrowded conditions through judicious parole practices.

A COLLECTIVE OUTCRY FOR CHANGE

Together with families, advocates, and concerned citizens, we implore Texas legislators to step inside the prisons they govern, witness firsthand the depravity of current conditions, and take decisive, corrective actions.

CONTACT:

ANGELA THOMAS SMITH  Co-Founder of the Free Texas Campaign and Contributing Writer  Aspiring Authors Magazine

Email:freetexascampaign@gmail.com

Phone: 803-757-6090

END OF RELEASE

***This message has been brought to you by the Free Texas Campaign, standing unwavering in defense of justice and humanitarian reform in the Texas criminal justice system.***