All across the country, people incarcerated—ignored & left to get infected & die, given no tools to protect themselves from COVID—are organizing & fighting back. Just read this powerful civil rights lawsuit. Filed by 17 men caged in pod 3A2B of Harris County Jail in Texas. More: 
Underlying Facts: “Several inmates have requested & asked for cleaning supplies on several occasions. We have not received any. Several inmates have gotten sick & removed from for our cell. Ill w/ COVID-19. We’ve been cleaning w/ our own towels & rags to prevent the spread.”
Injuries: “We are all suffering from mental angst, duress, stress, & hostility from guards. They gave us a broom then took it away from us the next day. We are under quarantine w/ no outside access to mental health treatment.”
Relief: “We want cleaning supplies for floor & shower & a private (semi at least) restroom area.”
They first tried the formal grievance process in jail & other avenues to no avail. They filed a complaint using the “kiosks.” They told the powers that be that they had “no mop & broom for over 6 days. Told the pod jailer & cleaning supplies & shift supervisor.” Nothing.
The lawsuit alleges deprivation of rights under the 8th & 14th amendments. Alleging cruel and unusual punishment. Undermining of the presumption of innocence. And the violation of prisoners rights. They bring their claim under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act.
The 17 brave men who filed.
