Stop Solitary Event: A Conversation with DC’s Unlock the Box Coalition

On Monday, March 24th, Unlock the Box DC hosted an important conversation on the urgent need to end solitary confinement in Washington, DC jails. Moderated by Giancarlo Cambrelén Santiago, the event brought together policy advocates, researchers, and individuals with lived experiences to shed light on the harsh realities of solitary confinement and the pressing need for reform.

The event began with a powerful poem, Have You Ever, recited by Regina Coates, setting the tone for the struggles incarcerated individuals go through and how incarcerated individuals are still people. Among the panelists were Brittany Vasquez, a certified forensic social worker; Cinquan Umar Muhammad, a criminal justice reform advocate who was formerly incarcerated as a juvenile and sentenced to life without parole; and Dr. Elizabeth Allen, a professor at the University of the District of Columbia with a PhD of Philosophy in Social Work. Each speaker provided critical insights into why solitary confinement is not just a criminal justice issue but also a public safety and human rights crisis.

The Devastating Effects of Solitary Confinement

Solitary confinement, often referred to by different names, ultimately means the same thing: isolating an individual for up to 23 hours a day, cutting them off from human interaction and mental stimulation. Research has consistently shown that prolonged isolation leads to severe mental health deterioration, exacerbates existing conditions, and negatively impacts executive functioning, harming impulse control, decision-making, and the ability to plan for the future.

Beyond mental health, solitary confinement has lasting effects on relationships. Incarcerated individuals struggle to reintegrate into society, reconnect with family members, and build support networks after release. The United Nations recognizes solitary confinement for extended periods as a form of torture, yet the practice continues in the United States at alarming rates. With just 5% of the world’s population, the U.S. holds 25% of the world’s incarcerated population, highlighting the extreme overuse of punitive measures within the justice system.

One particularly heartbreaking example discussed at the event was a woman placed in solitary confinement because officials deemed it unsafe for her to breastfeed her baby around others. Isolated from her child and any human contact, she experienced severe depression, further proving how solitary confinement is often wielded in ways that do more harm than good.

The Case for Transformative Justice

While accountability is an essential aspect of the justice system, correctional facilities should prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. The reality is that people sent to solitary confinement often return to the general population or society even more damaged than before. As Umar shared, “All I wanted in solitary confinement was a hug. A hug shows me I’m still alive, a hug shows me I’m still human.”

New York has taken steps toward a more progressive prison system, but in DC, conditions remain dire, so much so that Britanny Vasquez stated, “I really just can’t believe there’s a place that makes Rikers Island look good.” In contrast to the restrictive and punitive approach of solitary confinement, the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) in DC offers an alternative where inmates can walk freely in and out of their cells and have more access to programs and human interaction in comparison to the Central Detention Facility (CDF). The contrast proves that less restrictive environments do not necessarily lead to increased violence.

The ERASE Act: A Step Toward Reform

A major focal point of the event was the push for the ERASE Act (Eliminate Restrictive and Segregated Enclosures). If passed, this legislation would require that incarcerated individuals be allowed out of their cells for at least eight hours a day, ensuring they have opportunities to engage in activities and interact with others. Additionally, the act would force DC correctional facilities to be more transparent with their data, which is currently kept private. Increased transparency is crucial in holding the system accountable and implementing evidence-based alternatives to solitary confinement.

Unfortunately, DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2) has been resistant to holding a hearing on the ERASE Act, reportedly disliking the word “erase” in the bill’s title. Advocacy groups and individuals alike must take action to ensure that this legislation gets the attention it deserves.

How You Can Get Involved

Change is possible, but only with collective effort. The event closed with a call to action for students and advocates to get involved in the fight against solitary confinement. Some ways to take action include:

• Working with organizations such as DC Justice Lab, Unlock the Box, Free Minds Book Club, Building Communities Not Prisons, Council for Core Excellence, and Voices for a Second Chance. 

• Participating in canvassing efforts and public events, such as the Unlock the Box event on Monday, April 7th at the University of the District of Columbia.

• Emailing Councilmember Brooke Pinto at bpinto@dccouncil.gov to demand a hearing for the ERASE Act.

As Giancarlo reminded the audience, “Everyone’s voice matters.” The fight to end solitary confinement in DC is far from over, but change is possible only with collective effort.

For information about any upcoming SJS events, keep an eye on our monthly newsletter, Engage (Students for a Just Society), and Instagram (@sjsatau). More information about DC's Unlock the Box Coalition and their work can be found at https://unlocktheboxcampaign.org/