Moore Expresses Concern Over Abuse Allegations at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School
Washington, DC,
December 23, 2015
I fear that, without swift intervention, these inmates are at serious risk of becoming another faceless member of our seemingly endless school-to-prison pipeline. I am determined to fulfill our promise to help these youth become productive and successful members of our society.
Washington, D.C. — In response to alarming allegations of abuse at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to FBI Director James Comey: The Honorable James B. Comey Director Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20535 Dear Director Comey, I write to express my grave concerns about recent news reports documenting what seems to be a dangerous environment at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls in Wisconsin. I understand that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has now joined what’s been described as a “sweeping probe” into the matter. I thank you for your attention to this matter and ask that you keep me updated on any actions taken by federal authorities. Recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel articles have described a serious situation at Lincoln Hills and the Copper Lake School for Girls. According to the Sentinel’s reporting, staff members at Lincoln Hills have apparently been placed on leave after having been involved in incidents where inmates have had their arms or wrists broken. Another article by the Sentinel reported on a November 29th event in which a juvenile inmate’s foot was slammed so hard in a door frame it actually required an amputation of the toes. Other troubling events have also come to light, including allegations of sexual abuse, improper use of force by staff, and violence amongst the youth population. There have also been reported incidences of suicide attempts and violence at the sister school Copper Lake School for Girls at the facility. It is paramount that a safe environment is restored for those youth and staff who are presently in this facility. Moreover, many of these youth are particularly vulnerable, living through traumatizing events, poor socioeconomic conditions, and a lack of quality educational opportunity. I fear that, without swift intervention, these inmates are at serious risk of becoming another faceless member of our seemingly endless school-to-prison pipeline. I am determined to fulfill our promise to help these youth become productive and successful members of our society. This situation is particularly concerning to me because many of these youth hail from southeastern Wisconsin and my congressional district. In 2011, budget cuts by Governor Walker caused the closure of the Ethan Allen School and Southern Oaks Girls School, which housed many juveniles in southeast Wisconsin. This led to many youth in and around my district to move to this facility north of Wasau - far away from easy access to family members, which is a critical factor in reducing recidivism. I ask the Bureau to monitor these developments as they unfold and I request a briefing on efforts that you have currently undertaken or plan to take. Sincerely, Gwen Moore MEMBER OF CONGRESS
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