CYA Fires Brutal Guards

Dear friend,

We have big news!

The California Youth Authority has just fired the six guards involved in the vicious
beating of two young wards at a CYA facility earlier this year.

* * * BACKGROUND: BRUTAL CYA ATTACK CAUGHT ON TAPE * * *

As you probably remember, a security camera at the facility caught the beating on
video. That video made national news throughout April and May. But county and
state prosecutors refused to take the case, instead letting these brutal guards go
unchallenged and unpunished.

Now, after months of pressure from families, youth, advocates and the media, CYA has
fired these guards! They may not be behind bars, but at least these men will no
longer get a paycheck for terrorizing young people.

* * * GUARDS FIRED: HUGE VICTORY! * * *

This monumental firing is just one more sign that the work that all of us have done
is making a difference. We are changing the face of juvenile justice in California.
In years past, guards abused wards with impunity. Violent guards have been more
likely to get promotions than discipline.

Thanks to everyone who has helped shine the spotlight on CYA, guards are not getting
away with everything and anything they want anymore. All of us should be extremely
proud that our efforts have helped protect California's young people from these
brutal guards.

We are excited that so many people have stepped up and taken a stand for change, a
stand for justice. We are excited that the new reform-oriented CYA leadership is
challenging the failing status quo. And we are excited to continue working for
change until California has a juvenile justice system we can all be proud of.

Many thanks,

Lenore Anderson
Books Not Bars


NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT THE FIRINGS:

San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/09/24/BAGQP8UBUN1.DTL

San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/9748101.htm

Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/10854429p-11772159c.html

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