Criminal justice reform advocates push to end solitary confinement in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A small group gathered at the Capitol on Sunday to voice their concerns about conditions in Wisconsin prisons, particularly when it comes to solitary confinement.

On the 23rd of each month, criminal justice reform advocates from the group MOSES Madison and WisDOM come together to remember those who are locked in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.

“It breaks your heart to see how they suffer,” Leon Irby, who was formerly incarcerated, said.

For Irby, knowing many individuals are locked in solitary confinement hits close to home.

“I had been in the department of corrections since 1972 up to January 7 when I was released,” Irby said. “During that time, I spent over 40 years in solitary confinement.”

Now out of prison, Irby said he wants to share his experience in solitary confinement to advocate for change.

“You gotta have a purpose in life,” Irby said. “I’m a religious man. I pray everyday. I meditate, things of that nature, and this is how I cope with it. It wasn’t easy.”

Changing the conditions in Wisconsin prisons has been at the forefront of Wisconsin politics lately.

Last month, Gov. Tony Evers proposed sweeping prison system reforms as part of his budget, including closing the Green Bay Correctional Institution and suggesting a complete overhaul of the Waupun Correctional Facility.

The proposal comes after these facilities made headlines for numerous prisoner deaths and allegations of inmate abuse.

“Unlike red and blue states across our country, Wisconsin has refused to move our approach to corrections into the 21st century,” Evers said in February.

Advocates said they want to see alternatives to solitary confinement, more mental health assistance and an overall better system to integrate prisoners back into society.

By raising their concerns, they hope to see a change.

“It’s just one way that we believe that we can make our voice heard and encourage people to be more moral, more humane in our treatment of everybody,” MOSES Madison member Ken Warren said. “Not just prisoners, but of everybody.”

Demonstrators brought a portable example of what it’s like to be in solitary confinement, in hopes of ending the practice in Wisconsin.

“We’re hoping that no matter how long it takes, we can get something done to help them,” Irby said.

Evers’ proposal has received mixed reviews, with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos saying he wished the governor had included GOP lawmakers in crafting the proposal.

If the plan goes through, the Green Bay prison would close by 2029 and the remodel of the Waupun facility would be complete by 2031.

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