Federal Judge Brian Jackson on Thursday reinforced orders for officials at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola to implement measures to protect prisoners working on the “farm line” from extreme heat.
Lydia Wright with Promise of Justice Initiative says she is thrilled with the attention the courts are giving to this case.
“Judge Jackson previously ordered the state to take basic steps to remediate unsafe working conditions on the 'farm line' and in his more recent order the Judge has said that the state has not made a “good faith” effort to take those steps,” she said.
Jackson’s latest order says fifty inmates reported illnesses from July 2 to August 5 related to working the “farm line.”
The judge ordered more tents be provided and also ordered some form of seating be made available as well as fifteen-minute breaks be given every 45 minutes when heat alerts are in effect.
Wright says the “farm line” is cruel and unusual punishment and replicates slavery.
“Simply a way of forcing black men to fall in line. It’s simply a way to break their bodies and to break there spirits,” said Wright.
The Louisiana Corrections Department told the court it follows a “constitutionally appropriate” policy protecting workers from heat-related illnesses while working outside.
Wright says there is only one clear solution.
“The only fix here is actually very simple, the state just needs to end the farm line,” she argued.
A trial date is set for November.
