Originally published in the Winter 2024 edition of the Virginia Defender, issue 74, printed February 21. Reproduced here for accessibility and archival purposes. To find other stories in the Winter 2024 issue or to download the full PDF, see this post. For other issues dating back to 2012, see the Full Issues page.

Feb. 7, 2024

Mr. Chadwick Dotson

Director, Virginia Department of Corrections

As you know, several prisoners at the Red Onion State Prison in Pound, Va., have been on a hunger strike to protest the continued use of solitary confinement in the state prison system. We have heard that as many as 30 prisoners may have taken part in the strike.

VADOC spokespeople are telling the news media that the strike is now over, without releasing any further details. However, we have received credible information that at least some people remain on the hunger strike, including through a lawsuit filed on behalf of prisoner Kevin Johnson earlier this week.

Out of deep concern for the well-being of these men, we are asking that you provide answers to the following questions:

• How many prisoners took part in the hunger strike?
• How many are still on strike?
• What are the physical conditions of the men?
• Are the men who are still on strike allowed to communicate with their families?
• Were any of the strikers forced fed?
• Have any of the strikers received new charges as a result of their participation in the strike? If so, what are the charges?
• And concerning the case of Kevin “Rashid” Johnson (#1007485): We know that Rashid has serious health issues, including prostate cancer and problems related to his heart. He had been saying for several months that he wasn’t receiving the proper medical care for those conditions, but was finally able to see doctors at VCU Health in Richmond. We understand that he is now being held at the Powhatan Medical Unit, but has been told that he will be sent back to Red Onion if and when he agrees to start eating again. Rashid wants to be kept at a facility close to his doctors. We are asking that you look into his situation, arrange for him to be kept at a prison near Richmond and also allow him to communicate with people on the outside.

Sir, we know you have a reputation for honesty. The lack of transparency around the Red Onion hunger strike is a challenge to that reputation. If VADOC has nothing to hide, it should be willing to be open about what is happening to the hunger strikers. We urge you to provide answers to the above questions.

Sincerely,

Phil Wilayto

For the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality

This letter has been endorsed by the following organizations and individuals:

Amigos Legacy – Chesterfield County

Juanita Belton, Paulettra James & Santia Nance – Sistas in Prison Reform

Rev. D. Regina Boyd – Community of All People UCC in Reston, Virginia

Lillie Branch-Kennedy (Ms K) – Founder, Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged and Disenfranchised (RIHD, INC.), Highland Springs

Arturo Chávez, Katya Chávez, Monica Chavez, Mara Cortes, Daniela De la Llave, Martin Gonzalez & Tonatiuh Gonzalez – Virginia Coalition for Justice – Blacksburg

Andrea Collins – Member Valley Justice Coalition, Harrisonburg

Community Unity In Action (C.U.I.A.) – Richmond

Jennifer Dalton – Virginia Justice Alliance & Abolish Slavery VA

Charles Blake Deyhle – TXVA Consulting LLC

Ana Edwards – Chair, Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project, Richmond

Forty Strong – Virginia Humanization Project – Virginia

Rev. Rodney Hunter – Pastor, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Richmond

Interfaith Action for Human Rights – Arlington Justice and Witness Action Network of the United Church of Christ, Virginia Chapter

Katherine Lins – Member, St. John Neumann Parish, Reston

MGB Transitional Center – Henrico County

Malie Minhaj – President, Community of United Focus

Karen Morrison – Founder/President, Fighting 4 Freedom, Chesapeake

Nolef Turns Inc. – Virginia Norfolk Catholic Worker

Parole Virginia Advocacy Group

Queen Zakia Shabazz – Founder, United Parents Against Lead, Chesterfield County

Social Action Linking Together (SALT), Vienna

Debra E. Turner – Member Valley Justice Coalition, Harrisonburg

Richard Walker – Executive Director, Bridging the Gap in Virginia

Natasha White – Coordinator, Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement

Harvey Yoder – Chair, Valley Justice Coalition, Harrisonburg