For many years, I have been actively working to interrupt the school to prison pipeline for the youth in my community. Then I read cases like this and I just think… “they’re not even trying to disguise it anymore…”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) The Richmond County School System’s Facilities and Maintenance Department is planning to start an inmate work detail at schools to save money this upcoming school year.

Facilities Director Benton Starks says the school system might hire six inmates and a guard. They could be assigned to such things as grounds work, moving certain items and cleaning stadiums. It could cost $65,000 for the inmates and guard and $10,000 for vehicle and equipment needs.

Starks says the detail would not be close to students or faculty and that there would be plenty of security.

He says it could offset the cost of day laborers hired in the summer to help move things from schools and save more than $16,000.

There is all kind of wrong in this article. First they are going to hire inmates in order to “save money.” This once again points to the exploitation of prisoners for their labor. It also depresses wages for other people who could take these jobs. Finally, Mr. Starks assures the public that the inmates “would not be close to students and faculty and that there would be plenty of security.” Just appalling!

Source: Richmond Co. May Add Inmate Workers to Schools.