As wards of the state, we still have rights as human beings just as a civilized person in society has, which I do not believe a lot of people understand. We have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to due process. The latter I know not just only individuals in society do not understand it as well. The right to Due Process inside here, one being the grievance process. Incarcerated people have the right to write up an administrator or write a grievance about the conditions that can be endangering to the health and wellbeing of oneself, which is holding the state and its administrators accountable for their rules and policies that they are bound by. So many times, I hear people say that we lose our rights when we come to prison, that is not the truth at all. A simple Google search like what are the rights of the prisoners. Or typing in something what Amendment Rights do prisoners have, you will see that there a few that will come up. Men and women that are house with any Department of Corrections in this country have exercised their rights by being vocal, reaching out, speaking with lawyers, and many have won court cases against prisons. I would also like to address a concern that many of these guys have and their family members also, the fear that if they write grievances or speak up about what is going on behind these walls. You can not be afraid to stand up for yourself or fear authority when it comes to your own wellbeing. The grievance board is in place for this reason. The NCDAC has people in certain departments, titles, and duties for a reason. Do not be afraid to utilize the system. Down below will be information on the rights that we have as residents that are housed by the state. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me. As always like, share, or comment. Thank you for visiting Behind the Walls Talk!
https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/inmate-grievance-resolution-board
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/legal-rights-inmates
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner_rights_in_the_United_States
https://www.jailhouselaw.org/your-rights-prison