I am reaching out with a heavy heart and profound concern for my loved one who is currently serving time at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Through our conversations, I have learned of the appalling and degrading conditions that he and other inmates endure. People have reportedly burned alive, and the dire circumstances only seem to worsen. This is more than just a personal plea. It's about changing a fundamentally damaging system that is in desperate need of reform.

At Indiana State Prison, punitive measures have crossed into the realm of unconstitutional. When a single inmate errs, the entire prison population is subjected to harsh collective punishment. Specifically, lockdowns are unfairly and systematically imposed on A and C cell houses, disproportionately impacting these inmates. These lockdowns limit prisoners’ access to sunlight and fresh air, and keep them confined in cramped, poorly maintained cells for extended periods of time.

Perhaps most disturbingly, prisoners are deprived of essential hygienic supplies and necessities. They are denied basic cleaning supplies, forced to shower only once every three days, if granted that opportunity at all, and are often refused essentials such as soap. These degrading conditions not only violate the basic human rights of the prisoners but also contribute to a rise in mental health issues and suicides. It is a cruelty that compounds the stress of incarceration with psychological and physical neglect.

According to recent reports, the suicide rate among inmates has risen, a grim testament to the dire need for immediate intervention and reform. The right to personal dignity and humane treatment should not be ignored just because someone is behind bars.

We call on the Indiana Department of Corrections and state officials to take swift and decisive action. We urge them to end the collective punishment practice, ensure that inmates are treated with the basic decency afforded to all human beings, provide access to essential supplies, and deliver mental health support services to prevent further tragedies.

Please join me in standing up for these men who are suffering under harsh and inhumane conditions. Sign this petition to demand accountability, compassion, and constitutional governance at Indiana State Prison. Together, we can help restore dignity and justice to those who cannot speak for themselves.