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| Calif. lawmakers challenge practice of racial segregation in prisons |
| By NBC4.tv |
| Published: 02/09/2005 |
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A California Senate committee is putting the spotlight on a common practice in the California prison system -- racial segregation. Prison officials say the policy helps prevent racial violence, but critics claim separating inmates by race actually encourages conflict. A committee in Sacramento Tuesday chaired by East Los Angeles Sen. Gloria Romero, focused on the practice that she claims encourages racial conflict in prison. "I have pulled in all agencies that I can think of that have to be at the table discussing this," Romero said. A group of correctional officers said segregation isn't limited to reception centers where inmates are housed during the first months of incarceration. The practice was challenged in court by Garrison Johnson, a black inmate, who contends racial segregation anywhere in the prison system violates his right to equal treatment. His lawsuit is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. A friend-of-the-court brief has been filed on his behalf by the U.S. Department of Justice. Some lawmakers are hoping the hearing scheduled Tuesday will help put pressure on the governor and the Department of Corrections to abandon the practice before the issue is decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. |
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