I am reaching out with a personal story that reflects a systemic issue affecting thousands of inmates across the United States. During my time in prison, I was subjected to bullying, ostracization, and intimidation tactics at the hands of other inmates who had established a 'court' of sorts within the segregated recreation environments. This self-imposed authority allowed them to decide who could or could not sit in certain areas and use the recreation equipment provided by the prison. Unfortunately, this unjust power structure extended beyond prison walls, affecting my life even after release.

A segregated recreation environment in prisons allows certain inmates to form hierarchies and wield influence over their peers. This system not only fosters an environment of bullying and abuse but also undermines the civil rights of inmates who are striving to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. Prison should be a place of reform, not one where criminal codes and unjust hierarchies dictate daily life.

Research consistently shows that the environment within prisons can significantly affect the rehabilitation process. According to The Prison Policy Initiative, prisons that adopt abusive and counterproductive practices during incarceration see higher rates of recidivism. Segregated recreational spaces that allow for abuse only perpetuate the cycle of criminal behavior instead of helping inmates reform.

By prohibiting these segregated environments, we can work towards creating a safer and more rehabilitative atmosphere for inmates. This requires reformative policies that enforce fair access to shared prison amenities and punish institutions that allow such inmate hierarchies to develop. Through this petition, we strive to urge both State and Federal authorities to enact and enforce rules that dismantle these damaging systems, protecting the rights and dignity of all inmates.

Stand with us in calling for change—a change that will benefit communities inside and outside the prison walls. Please sign this petition to prohibit the establishment of segregated recreational environments in prisons. Together, we can work towards a more just and fair correctional system for all.

As a for instance how current systems work will use Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York -- a Maximum A State prison -- as an example.  A side of the two major yards -- East and West sides -- has weight lifting equipment.  However, this equipment is decided up among work out courts that also contain chairs and tables for playing cards etc., on.  These courts are run by an inmate.  One court is for Dominican Inmates, Another for Italians.  There's a white court where guys like White Supremacists  all hang out together -- another where Italian mobsters congregate --! There are Asian courts, West Indian, Muslim courts...in this way it's possible to have white supremacists hang out with ones other for 20, 30, 40 years together.  Encouraging one another never to let prison weaken their prejudice beliefs.  And they emerge no different from when they walked in.  They forbid people like guys wanting to rehabilitate -- or former police officers who got locked up -- from being able to access the outdoor weight lifting equipment.  Those outcasts have to get in a call out to use the prison gym equipment!!!!!   It's a bad bad stupid system.