Public Meeting Notice  Special Commission to Study LGBTQI Inmate Health and Safety

SPECIAL COMMISSION TO STUDY LGBTQI INMATE HEALTH AND SAFETY

When: April 13, 2022

Where: Via Microsoft Teams

Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Members Present:                                                                         Members Absent:

Mitzi Peterson, Co – Chair                                                           Casey Lepisto

Pamela Klein, Co – Chair

Atty. Lizz Matos

Atty. Jennifer Levi

Michael Cox

Sheriff Patrick Cahillane*

David Mills*

*members left at 12pm

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 11:12am once a quorum of members had been established.

Review of Minutes

P. Klein motioned to accept the meeting minutes; D. Mills seconded the motion; the meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

Hampden and MCI Cedar Junction Visit Update

Due to a mix up in agenda items members will discuss the visits to Souza Baranowski and MCI Plymouth during Topics not Reasonably anticipated within 48 hours.

Interviews at MCI Framingham and NCCI Gardner

M. Cox and M. Peterson discussed the interviews with individuals from MCI Framingham. During the interview one individual mentioned concerns regarding policies available in the library, and accusation that Corrections Officers are attempting to incentivize health care treatment. M. Peterson reported that she further investigated these concerns and can confirm that all policies are available in the library and health care is not incentivized; if there are reports that DOC employees are attempting to incentivize medical care treatment there will be a thorough investigation into those claims.

Atty. E. Matos stated that when it comes to issues of mental health it is important to incentivize good behavior; taking away materials does contribute to bad behavior and mental health issues. She also voiced her appreciation for M. Peterson and her zero-tolerance policy within the DOC.

M. Peterson informed the group of an interview in which the woman reported she had gender affirming surgery and reports a much happier life. Noted some concerns regarding mis-gendering of other gender non-conforming individuals at MCI Framingham; however, she gave many thanks to the medical staff and reports great follow-up care.

M. Cox reported an interview with a gender non confirming individual. The individual reported that she was given the designation of gender non-conforming after evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, but feels things were done too fast and too quickly; it was too easy she reported. The individual followed-up with a psychiatrist to confirm she was making the best decision, though did not feel that the follow-up was adequate. The individual noted that within a short period of time many individuals recently became gender non-conforming within his facility.

Atty. J. Levi asked P. Klein for clarification regarding electrolysis for transgender women; and is it dependent on mental stability. P.Klein stated there is no need for documentation attesting to Behavioral Health stability for electrolysis unless someone is trying to get insurance to cover it as a pre-surgery requirement.

Draft Recommendation Discussion

Due to the constraints of time this agenda item will moved to May’s agenda.

Topics not reasonably anticipated within 48 hours

MCI Plymouth visit:

M. Cox began discussion on the visit and reported that it was a positive climate and the PREA manager was positive. There was a town hall with the Protected Custody unit and most of the complaints were related to general conditions of Housing and lack of programming opportunities.

J.Levi mentioned the possibility of eliminating gender specific identifiers such as female and male specific color jumpsuits and the display of preferred pronouns on name tags. Further discussion will be held during the recommendation section of the agenda. Souza Baranowski visit:

M. Cox reported that he and Atty. Levi spoke to a Sergeant who informed them that when the riot took place in the facility, the Corrections Officers pushed for a super max-like facility. M. Peterson stated that while this is the Commonwealth’s Maximum-security prison it was relatively calm and quiet during out of cell time.

Atty. Matos stated that white supremacy groups are also present in correction facilities and is important to flag this for the recommendations.

M. Peterson reminded the group that this Commission was created to propose recommendations related to the Health and Safety of LGBTQI Inmates.

Member Comment

No members of the Commission made additional comments.

Public Comment

No members of the Public commented at this time.

Adjourn

Due to the lack of a quorum at 12:50pm Atty. Levi motioned to adjourn; the motioned was seconded; the meeting adjourned at 12:51pm.

1. Call to Order
2. Review of Minutes
3. Hampden and MCI Cedar Junction Visit Update
4. Interviews at MCI Framingham and NCCI Gardner
5. Draft Recommendation discussion
6. Topics not reasonably anticipated within 48 hours
7. Member Comment
8. Public Comment
9. Adjourn