More than half of Detroit Public Schools have been closed as a result of “low performance.” Meanwhile, business is booming for MDOC (Michigan Department of Corrections). Let me explain. School closings lead to overcrowding and unemployment. Overcrowding and unemployment lead to crime and depression. Crime and depression lead to a steady influx of new prisoners for Michigan’s Department of Corrections, which some might argue is the state’s goal.
We must end this school-to-prison pipeline! The powers that be have implemented a strategy that’s proven worthy of mass destruction!
“Prisoners are the new slaves” is a popular phrase echoed throughout Michigan’s prisons. Most inmates are earning a little more than $1 per day, while others may earn a few dimes more. This is practically free labor for the state’s facilities, maintenance, and other operations. (Prisoners are paid monthly). Inmates are compelled to work while incarcerated or otherwise face sanctions. These consequences are referred to as a loss of privileges, top-lock, or lock-down, which is commonly known as the hole.
Loss of privileges – allows the prisoner(s) to stay in general population (within the prison) without the privileges of possessing electronics, purchasing food products from the commissary, or participating in any recreational activities.
Top-lock – restricts prisoner(s) from circulating with the general population (confined to their individual cell), no phone calls, and limited commissary (commissary restrictions are the same as “Loss of privileges”).
Lock-down – prisoners are stripped of all their properties and transported to stricter confinement, also known as the hole. All visits are non-contact and held in an isolated section of the facility.
These penalties range from minor to major offenses. Punishments can be enforced from a couple days to indefinitely. Conveniently, Michigan’s Department of Corrections is basically securing their savings account via the school-to-prison pipeline. To make things worse, they primarily receive taxpayer dollars and other funding to house their prisoners. In fact, it costs more than 30k annually per prisoner; yet, the System continues to strive towards future success by fishing for fresh product and making sure the school-to-prison pipeline is running its course.
Abrupt school closings throughout the city of Detroit almost guarantees higher incarceration rates, or at worst maintaining them. Our young people struggle in poor communities with bad schools systems. Resources are limited, and the current System creates obstacles at every turn, which makes it’s nearly impossible for young people to stay out of trouble. Ultimately, our leaders are encouraged to educate and provide for themselves with little concern for the disadvantaged youth that needs their help the most. The System and their leaders prosper while the young people and their communities suffer. Business as usual for Michigan Department of Corrections!
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