09/07/2023
Statement of ALAR Executive Director on Statewide Prison Lockdown & Prison Conditions
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Dear ALAR family:
Today, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) implemented a statewide lockdown of Texas prisons, purportedly in response to “a rise in dangerous contraband and drug-related inmate homicides.” However, I also received the following message from a friend of ALAR earlier today:
“Good afternoon, John. My cousin [] just called . . . There is a state wide lockdown of all Texas prisons. They are denying respite, cold showers, and they have no air conditioning throughout this heatwave. Some prisoners have already died in very horrid conditions. Please if you can help any way I would greatly appreciate!”
A TDCJ spokeswoman stated that heat protocols will remain in effect during this lockdown, including inmate access to ice water, cold showers, and areas with air conditioning. However, reports from inmates, families, and attorneys from across the state indicate that these protocols are not being observed in uniform fashion.
I forwarded the above message to an attorney-member of ALAR’s Board of Directors who is a longtime advocate of prisoner rights with her own civil practice. She confirmed: TDCJ heat-related deaths are not new, and lobbying efforts and lawsuits are ongoing. Texas attorneys representing prisoners are overwhelmed.
ALAR currently does not represent any prisoners in lawsuits against TDCJ with respect to prison conditions, but we do represent a number of clients currently imprisoned. My thoughts are with all our ALAR family affected by this crisis. While it is not yet clear how this lockdown will affect ALAR’s ability to communicate with clients, I am available to speak with clients’ families and to help in any way I can.
Some outside the ALAR family may wonder why any of this matters, or why we ought to pray for mercy for prisoners. If you encounter such hardness of heart, know that Christ Jesus was on the receiving end of it long before you, and that He has not promised us immunity from such lack of charity. Yet, the Gospel of Matthew makes clear that our attitudes toward prisoners and our willingness to show charity unto them is a barometer of our own spiritual health. In all your comings and goings: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.
Please join me in praying for our clients, for their families, and for all those in Texas prisons:
Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: you forgive when we deserve punishment, and in your wrath you remember mercy: We humbly ask you, of your goodness, to comfort all prisoners and to grant them protection at this time. Relieve the distressed; deliver the innocent; and bring the guilty to repentance. Minister to all prisoners in sickness and in need with your healing gifts, that they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Respectfully,
The Rev’d Fr. John Goodman II, Esq.
Executive Director of Anglican Legal Aid & Reconciliation
