SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is voting against the re-appointment of Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes amid ongoing health issues, human rights violations, and safety concerns in Illinois prisons.

“Director Hughes’ leadership at IDOC has failed to prioritize the health and safety of both staff and incarcerated populations in our prison system,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We have seen too many alarming incidents during her tenure that have gone unaddressed, from human rights violations to the deaths of incarcerated individuals.”

The vote comes on the heels of a controversial decision by IDOC to withhold physical mail from incarcerated individuals in favor of electronically scanned copies, in an attempt to curb the flow of illicit substances into prisons. Several members of the general assembly have been critical of the new temporary IDOC policy including Ventura, who forwarded the idea of bringing back drug-detecting dogs as a potential alternative, which has not been implemented.

In the past several months, multiple instances of violence, health concerns, and death have also been reported. Additionally, Ventura says the department’s handling of grievances has been inadequate and fostered fear among incarcerated individuals attempting to report.

“Corrections cannot be medieval punishment,” said Ventura. “We must have a director who focuses on rehabilitation, mental health access, safety, and reentry that prepares individuals to be successful and reduce recidivism. I cannot in good conscience approve Director Hughes’ continued supervision of IDOC.”