09.14.07
Advocate Groups Stop Pepper Spray of Disabled Youth Inmates
Advocacy groups Texas Appleseed and Advocacy Incorporated have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Youth Commission over using pepper spray on young inmates with mental disabilities. The lawsuit was brought forth on behalf of three 15-year-olds who have had pepper spray used on them or been threatened with its use.
According to the advocacy groups the use of pepper spray has gone up dramatically this year and unfairly targets kids with disabilities who tend to act out more. Pepper spray was introduced as a policy as a method of last resort, but the practical use, according to the lawsuit has been one of intimidation and punishment rather than rehabilitation.