Vermont"s Abolitionists Challenge New Prison Construction Efforts

Vermont is planning to construct four new carceral facilities over the next decade, with an estimated cost of up to half a billion dollars. This initiative has sparked significant opposition from abolitionists, including Jayna Ahsaf, an organizer with FreeHer Vermont. They argue that the state is misleading the public by branding these facilities as 'trauma-informed' while continuing the cycle of mass incarceration. Ahsaf highlights that both state and private interests are involved in this prison expansion, which is justified under the guise of providing medical and substance disorder services. The campaign against the prison construction has revealed a disappointing trend among politicians, including those who identify as progressives. Many of these lawmakers have not engaged with the experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals, leading to decisions that do not reflect the realities of incarceration. Ahsaf emphasizes the need for solidarity with other movements to effectively challenge the prison-building agenda. FreeHer Vermont has successfully delayed the construction of the new women’s prison by two to three years, showcasing the power of grassroots organizing. The group advocates for a reevaluation of community priorities, questioning whether the focus should be on punitive measures or on addressing the root causes of harm. The ongoing struggle against prison expansion in Vermont highlights a broader conversation about incarceration and its impact on communities. Activists are calling for a shift in resources towards essential services, such as education, rather than investing in new facilities that perpetuate a cycle of harm.