The dangerous heat conditions in our TDCJ units are an unacceptable health and safety hazard. We’ve learned that the temperature log documents heat ranging from 117°F to over 149°F. Can you imagine living in that extreme heat all day, every day?

The recent lawsuit from the Pack unit points to 23 deaths and hundreds of illnesses related to heat in Texas prisons since 1998. This number will only go up if we don’t take immediate action. And please don’t forget that each of these numbers is someone’s son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, etc. Regardless of why they are in prison, they are human beings and their families are concerned about their safety.

These heat conditions violate the U.S. Constitution (as they are cruel and unusual punishment), international human rights standards, and there will only be more lawsuits to come if you don’t take action. The cost of adding air conditioning is no excuse when we’re talking about life and death here. At the same time, taxpayers’ money is being spent on the lawsuits. The press has been following these dangerous conditions every year, and we’re still seeing nothing being done while people are dying.

Concerned families are raising their voices about this issue, and we won’t stop until the Texas Legislature hears our voice and prison conditions are improved.

Thank you for your support,

Texas Inmate Families Association