| I recently read an article written by one of your members, titled “Hunger and Violence Dominate Daily Life at USP McCreary, Where D.C. Men Are Incarcerated,” and I was alarmed to learn that the same troubling conditions are now being reported at USP Lee, to which Warden Gilley moved.
Warden Gilley has taken extreme measures that severely impact the well-being of the incarcerated men under his care. He has eliminated access to commissary, visits, hot meals and television until January 1, 2025. Regardless of the circumstances that led these men to incarceration, they are still human beings deserving of basic dignity and respect. They are told they can’t write grievances. They are thrown outside early in the morning without basic necessities because they haven’t been given their property. He also has the men working in unsafe conditions and putting in 15 hours with no breaks, in conditions in which there is a rat infestation. The measures enacted by Gilley amount to mental, physical and emotional abuse, which is unacceptable in any setting, particularly one that claims to be rehabilitative. By denying these men essential needs such as hot food, Gilley is not only endangering their physical health—risking conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease—but is also undermining their humanity. This is a clear violation of ethical and legal standards, and it raises significant questions about the accountability of prison officials. How can we, as a society, stand by while individuals entrusted with maintaining order and safety perpetrate such harm? It is imperative that the broader community holds Gilley accountable and demands a reevaluation of policies that strip inmates of their basic rights. We cannot ignore the mental and physical toll that such harsh conditions take on incarcerated individuals. This is not just about punishment; it’s about ensuring that individuals have the opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. |
November 2024