A federal judge has ordered Louisiana to promptly improve conditions for incarcerated workers enduring harsh conditions on the farm line at Angola, a former slave plantation turned penitentiary. Judge Brian Jackson's ruling mandates the state's Department of Corrections to develop a plan within seven days, addressing deficiencies in heat safety measures such as shade, breaks, sunscreen, and medical assessments.
Despite acknowledging critical shortcomings in heat protection policies, Judge Jackson stopped short of halting farm line operations when temperatures surpassed 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The decision arrives amidst heightened scrutiny of prison labour practices, historically tied to slavery and criticized for minimal wages and harsh conditions.
The ruling follows a class-action lawsuit by incarcerated individuals and advocacy groups, alleging cruel and unusual punishment at Angola. Lydia Wright of The Promise of Justice Initiative praised the ruling as a pivotal step towards justice, contrasting with Louisiana’s Department of Public Safety and Corrections' appeal, signalling ongoing legal challenges over prison labour conditions.
