Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers are in disagreement over a court-ordered consent decree that requires changes at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools, juvenile correctional facilities in Irma, Wisconsin.
The decree stems from a 2018 settlement of a class action lawsuit, J.J. vs. Litscher, filed by the American Civil Liberties UnionACLU of Wisconsin, the Juvenile Law Center, and Quarles & Brady. The lawsuit highlighted harsh conditions at these facilities, such as the use of painful pepper spray, extended solitary confinement, humiliating strip searches, and heavy restraints. The settlement resulted in an agreement to improve conditions.
Governor Evers stated that his administration is partially compliant with all terms of the consent decree and fully compliant with 43 out of 50 terms.
After a youth counselor, Cory Proulx, died following an assault at Lincoln Hills, and staff raised safety concerns during a state Senate hearing, Republican legislators asked Department of Corrections Secretary-Designee Jared Hoy to request a review and possible revision of the consent decree from U.S. District Court Judge James Peterson. They argued that since the decree took effect, Lincoln Hills has become less safe. While they don’t want to return to the previous conditions, they believe the decree might be causing more harm than good.
In response, Governor Evers wrote to Judge Peterson, arguing against revising the decree. He emphasized that the decree was necessary because conditions under the previous administration were inhumane and unlawful. Evers believes that the decree has improved safety for both youth and staff at the facilities.
However, Scott Kelly, representing Senator Van Wanggaard, accused Evers of mismanaging Lincoln Hills and blamed him for making the facility less safe.
The ACLU and the Juvenile Law Center also issued a statement supporting the full implementation of the consent decree to protect both staff and youth. They also reiterated that Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake should eventually be closed.
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