New this week from Solitary Watch: 

Natasha White survived four years in solitary confinement, and is now a movement leader and writer. Her recent piece for Voices from Solitary is a moving account of her experience that depicts resilience in the face of physical and psychological torment. White emphasizes that although people may survive solitary confinement, it leaves a lasting impact on their well-being. Solitary Watch

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In a recent article for Slate, Solitary Watch Senior Writer/Editor Katie Rose Quandt analyzes how the Federal Bureau of Prisons has changed under the Trump Administration and the impact it has had on incarcerated people in federal prisons nationwide. Increased lockdowns, restricted visitation, and the removal of gender-affirming care have intensified harmful conditions. Solitary Watch | Slate

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 This week’s pick of news and commentary about solitary confinement:

New York prison officials continue to hold incarcerated people in prolonged solitary confinement despite orders to comply with the HALT Solitary Confinement law limiting solitary confinement to two weeks. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) maintains that it has not violated any laws regarding its use of segregated confinement. Queens Daily Eagle | The Legal Aid Society maintains that DOCCS has violated the terms of the HALT law and requested formal meetings with DOCCS staff to advocate for additional information. The organization has also called for increased oversight to ensure compliance and protect the rights of incarcerated individuals. News10

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Derek S. Carter, a formerly incarcerated Gulf War veteran, found a new sense of purpose as a volunteer paraprofessional counselor in the Crisis Stabilization Unit at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. The unit has its roots in a court case that found large numbers of people with mental illness held in solitary confinement for years at a time, with dire consequences. “Between 2008 and 2011,” Carter writes, “seven mentally ill prisoners died alone in lockup cells; six were by suicide, according to the lawsuit.” Carter describes supporting incarcerated men in mental health crises while bearing witness to the psychological violence that persists behind bars. Through his work and shared experience, Carter helps to support others as he also attempts to heal. Prison Journalism Project

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In an interview with Joe Rogan, formerly incarcerated author and leader Shaka Senghor describes his experience of being held in solitary confinement for a total of seven years, four of which were consecutive. Senghor reflects on the brutality of isolation and on reclaiming his humanity through creative expression. JRE Clips

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Action Alerts

U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), along with 23 other original sponsors, have re-introduced the End Solitary Confinement Act (HR4682). Among other provisions, the bill would ban solitary beyond four hours in all forms of federal custody. Ed Markey | Unlock the Box and the Federal Anti-Solitary Taskforce have created an online form to email members of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor the End Solitary Confinement Act. EveryAction 

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Solitary Watch is looking for fall interns to help with the organization’s projects, research, reporting, and outreach efforts. The application deadline is August 15. To learn more about the position and how to join our team, please see the “Internships and Volunteer Opportunities” page under the “About” tab on our website. Solitary Watch. 

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