Prison Law Office position on Pelican Bay hunger strike
The Prison Law Office supports the Pelican Bay SHU prisoners’ demands for a more effective and fair means to address criminal gang activity and individual responsibility; that CDCR comply with the recommendations of the US Commission on Safety and Abuse in Prisons (2006) regarding an end to long-term solitary confinement; and that CDCR expand and provide constructive programs and privileges for indefinite SHU prisoners. We believe that CDCR should only hold prisoners accountable for their own actions, and that all prisoners should receive adequate food under appropriate staff supervision.
We have recently filed suit aiming to achieve the elimination of group punishment in the form of race-based lockdowns in California prisons (Mitchell v. Felker, E.D. Cal. Case No. No. 08-CV-1196-RAJ), and we have previously litigated against other deplorable conditions in the Pelican Bay SHU (Madrid v. Gomez), but we know that many intolerable conditions remain, and that meeting the above demands is an important step toward the goal of affirming the human rights and dignity of SHU prisoners. We continue to work as class counsel to improve other unlawful conditions at Pelican Bay, including inadequate medical, dental, and mental health care and accommodations for prisoners with disabilities.
The Prison Law Office calls on CDCR to respond in a meaningful way to the inhumane conditions in the Pelican Bay SHU. In addition, CDCR should take appropriate steps to monitor the health and well-being of the hunger strikers. As part of the Plata v. Brown lawsuit, we will continue to monitor Pelican Bay’s compliance with Plata policies and procedures, including those applicable to hunger strikers.
Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity 
The systematically oppressed prisoners striking in Pelican Bay (and in every prison where the call to strike is acknowledged) are not alone and are loved as human beings, despite their inhuman treatment.
On July 1st, I will begin participating in the hunger-strike in the Chicago area (from the street) in Solidarity with those striking behind lock n’ key!
In addition, I just helped organize a street demonstration which will be held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Friday (July 1st), as well!
in SOLIDARITY,
Hybachi LeMar
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I am a mother of one of the inmates at pelican bay, and I have joined the hunger strike with them. They really are not asking for to much, would you please comply with them.
Grace, I feel compelled to reply to your comment but haven’t any idea what to say. I don’t know you, but you’re in my thoughts, as is your son.
~patty
Grace, I to have a loved one in Pelican Bay SHU and have also joined in the hunger strike. I my self will stand with all every Thursday nite in front of the Alameda County Court House Oakland CA. There 5 core demands are simple ones. We all must be there voiced and let every man in SHU”s across the nation be heard. I pray each night for my husband, your son, and all the men in P.B.SHU.
God Bless You
Lesea V.~Oakland CA.
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