We have an incarceration crisis, John.
Since the beginning of this pandemic, jails and prisons have been hotbeds for COVID-19.
To date, 1 in 5 incarcerated people nationally has tested positive for the virus, including many across St. Louis. It is no surprise that our criminal legal system continues to force people into confined spaces with limited access to basic hygiene, masks, and medical care.
People who are incarcerated at a St. Louis jail have been protesting since December to call attention to poor COVID-19 protocols and lack of protection. That’s why Cori decided to take action and send a letter to City officials demanding an investigation into COVID-19 case rates at local jails, a plan to improve conditions, and policies that address mass-incarceration.
Ever since then, right-wing media and the GOP have condemned Cori for siding with “rioters” and attacked her for defending the humanity of people who are incarcerated.
Cori refuses to back down in the face of these heartless attacks. Will you rise up with Cori and sign our petition demanding immediate action to address jail and prison conditions in St. Louis and across our country during this pandemic?
Long before today, our jails and prisons have been notorious for unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Especially now as the pandemic continues to rage — the health, safety, and wellbeing of those incarcerated as well as those who work there are at risk.
There needs to be a plan to improve conditions and decarcerate.
Together,
Team Cori