Original article by Mike Catalini for the Associated Press, featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer
 
New Jersey reached a nearly $21 million settlement with inmates of Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, the state’s only women’s prison, amid allegations of abuse and harassment at the facility. The Dept. of Corrections also reached a tentative agreement with the U.S. Dept. of Justice over reforming the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, including a (likely) federal monitor. The settlement covers 20 lawsuits by former and current inmates since 2014.
 
Attorney General Gurbir Grewel also charged prison guards at Edna Mahan with misconduct in the Jan 11-12 attack on inmates at the prison, which included inmates being pepper sprayed and punched in the face by guards. Guards attempted to cover up this attack. However, some of their lawyers say they’ll plead not guilty.
 
Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks maintains his administration is interested in safety and rehabilitation. However, the Jan. attacks had many calling for his resignation. Gov. Phil Murphy hired an attorney to conduct what he calls an independent investigation.
 
Link to the original article: https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/nj-prison-women-violence-settlement-20210408.html  We congratulate Gale Muhammad and WOMEN WHO NEVER GIVE UP for their leadership in bringing these and other issues to the courts and the public. Judith Trustone, the Global Kindness Revolution.