Angola Farm Line lawsuit upgraded to class action, heading to five-day trial

In Bobby Wallace’s memory, the Farm Line at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola was an inescapable reality. Upon his arrival at the prison, a routine examination led him directly to the fields, where he would spend over two decades. Wallace, a city dweller from Algiers, found himself out of his element when faced with the demands of farm work. Often struggling to keep up with the experienced crew, Wallace was frequently threatened with disciplinary action or confinement whenever he lagged behind or made mistakes while working on the canals. The threat of being relegated to work on the Farm Line was a constant presence, coercing compliance from inmates with the looming prospect of harsh consequences.

Forced to toil under the watchful eyes of armed guards on horseback within the sweltering fields, the Farm Line bore the hallmarks of a modern form of slavery. Throughout Wallace’s time at Angola, compulsory field labor was a fixture, with reassignments serving to fulfill the prison’s labor quotas. Any perceived insubordination or minor misstep could quickly result in an inmate being sent back to the fields, perpetuating a cycle of harsh labor and control over the incarcerated men.

The ongoing federal lawsuit, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) vs. LeBlanc, has elevated the issue of the Farm Line to a class-action lawsuit, representing a significant milestone in seeking justice for those impacted. In December, the case was certified as a class action, encompassing incarcerated men assigned to the Farm Line and a subclass of individuals with disabilities. This decision allows for a systemic examination of the Farm Line practice rather than isolated incidents, signaling a critical advancement in the legal proceedings.

Legal director Lydia Wright noted that the Farm Line’s operation is not only dangerous but also degrading and inhumane. The class action lawsuit aims to address the constitutional violations inherent in the practice, with safety concerns being a primary focus in recent court rulings. Judge Brian A. Jackson has demanded corrections to heat-related policies to safeguard inmates from extreme temperatures while working on the farms.

As the trial unfolds, the core contention remains the constitutionality of the Farm Line itself, with Wright highlighting the alleged violations of the Eighth Amendment. The cruel and punishing conditions in which men are compelled to work under the Farm Line, coupled with inadequate safety measures, are cited as grounds for challenging the practice. These conditions are likened to aspects of chattel slavery, stripping individuals of their dignity and subjecting them to inhumane treatment. The trial serves as a pivotal moment in evaluating the Farm Line’s legality and addressing the broader implications of forced prison labor within Angola’s walls.