Statement from the Attica Prisoners Page: 1 of 4
[2] p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this text.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
, the Umen of AttiCa Prison, iL.i CUc comJliitt tij thiR. New' LYork State Deparime nt of
Corrections by the people of society for the purpose of correcting what has been deemed as
social errors in behavior. Errors which have classified us as socially unacceptable until reprogrammed
with new values and more thorough understanding as to our value and responsibilities as members
of the outside community. The Attica Prison program in its structure and conditions have been
enslaved on the pages of this Manifesto of Demands with the blood, sweat, and tears of the inmates
of this prison.
The programs which we are submitted to under the facade of rehabilitation are relative to the
ancient stupidity of pouring water on a drowning man, inasmuch as we are treated for our hostilities
by our program administrators with their hostility as medication.
In our efforts to comprehend on a feeling level an existence contrary to violence, we are con-
fronted by our captors with what is fair and just, we are victimized by the exploitation and the
denial of the celebrated due process of law.
In our peaceful efforts to assemble in dissent as provided under this nation's U.S. Constitution,
we are in turn murdered, brutalized, and framed on various criminal charges because we seek the
rights and privileges of all American People.
In our efforts to intellectually expand in keeping with the outside world, through all categories
of news media, we are systematically restricted and punitively remanded to isolation status when we
insist on our human rights to the wisdom of awareness.
MANIFESTO OF DEMANDS
(1) We demand the constitutional rights of legal representation at the time of all parole board
hearings and the protection from the procedures of the parole authorities whereby they permit no
procedural safeguards such as an attorney for cross-exa:mination of witnesses, witnesses ill behalf of
the parolee, at parole revocation hearings.
(2) We demand a change in medical staff and medical policy and procedure. The Attica Prison
hospital is totally inadequate, understaffed, and prejudiced in the treatment of inmates. There are
numerous "mistakes" made many times; improper and erroneous medication is given by untrained
personnel. We also demand periodical check-ups on all prisoners and sufficient licensed practitioners
24 hours a day instead of inmates' help that is used now.
(3) We demand adequate visiting conditions and facilities for the inmate and families of Attica
prisoners. The visiting facilities at the nri on re y sn a to nreecl :ie to viine for innes
and their families.
(4) W e dem and . ,v .6 y.. ., , ,. . Y .a , .etIzt '; .t .l lu 7 . l _, ,
their political beliefs. Some of the men in segregation units are confined there solely for political
reasons and their segregation from other inmates is indefinite.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This text can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Text.
Alexander, Karen B. Statement from the Attica Prisoners, text, 197X; (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1940512/m1/1/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.