Andrea Armstrong, Genius Grant winner and founder of the Incarceration Transparency Project, discusses exposing prison conditions and deaths in Louisiana. Topics include the shooting of Alton Sterling, poor treatment of protesters in jail, and inhumane conditions on death row. The importance of recognizing the humanity of incarcerated individuals is emphasized.
The Incarceration Transparency Project aims to expose the secretive conditions and deaths in Louisiana's prisons and jails, highlighting the need for reform in the treatment of incarcerated individuals.
Andrea Armstrong plans to focus on the impact of climate change on incarcerated individuals, drawing attention to the additional risks and suffering they face in correctional institutions.
Deep dives
Alton Sterling's Murder and Protests in Baton Rouge
On July 5th, 2016, Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, was shot and killed by a Baton Rouge police officer. The shooting, which was captured on multiple videos, occurred after police responded to a call about a man selling CDs and carrying a gun. Alton Sterling was pinned down by officers when he was shot six times at close range. His death sparked protests in Baton Rouge, with demonstrators calling for justice and accountability for his killing.
Inhumane Conditions and Deaths at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
The East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, an old facility designed to hold pre-trial detainees, has been plagued by inhumane conditions and deaths. Between 2012 and 2016, 25 men died at the prison due to various factors, including lack of medical care and denial of necessary medication. Reports of mistreatment, such as pepper spraying, denial of basic necessities like water and toilet paper, and overcrowded cells, highlight the disregard for the well-being and rights of those detained. These conditions showcase the urgent need for reform in the treatment of incarcerated individuals.
Incarceration Transparency Project and the Importance of Humanizing Incarcerated Individuals
Andrea Armstrong, a law professor, initiated the Incarceration Transparency Project to shed light on deaths in Louisiana's prisons and jails and document the conditions within these facilities. By making information public and memorializing those who have died, Armstrong aims to humanize incarcerated individuals and address the systemic issues within the criminal justice system. She emphasizes that how society treats its most despised members is a reflection of its values, and that understanding the experiences and vulnerabilities of incarcerated people is crucial for creating a more just and compassionate society.
Exploring the Intersection of Climate Change and Incarceration
Andrea Armstrong's future work will focus on the impact of climate change on incarcerated individuals, aiming to highlight the unique vulnerabilities they face. Extreme heat, inadequate ventilation, and lack of access to proper care and facilities, amplify the suffering and health risks for those behind bars. By examining the intersection of climate change and incarceration, Armstrong seeks to prompt discussions on the need for humane and environmentally responsible practices within correctional institutions.
Today we meet “Genius Grant” winner Andrea Armstrong. In 2019, she started the Incarceration Transparency Project to identify and make public how many people were dying behind bars in Louisiana. The project also documents conditions inside the state’s prisons and jails – what Andrea Armstrong calls “secretive spaces of confinement.” She’s said: “Too often, the how and why a person in prison dies is kept secret from everyone, including the person’s family."
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