The photos below are from a bathroom in a federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey—a place where human beings are forced to live in conditions that are nothing short of appalling. Inmates use these facilities daily, surrounded by filth and unsanitary conditions, with no choice but to endure it. How is this acceptable? How can we, as a society, continue to ignore the treatment of incarcerated individuals?
These men and women may be serving sentences for their mistakes, but they are still human beings. They are fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, siblings, and friends. Their humanity does not disappear simply because they are behind bars.
I understand the complexities of the prison system—there are individuals who deserve to be there, and others who should not. My stepfather, for example, committed unforgivable acts and walks free. But for every one like him, there are countless others who are locked up unfairly, many of whom face daily mistreatment and neglect.
This is not about excusing crime. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with basic human decency.
The Problem
The conditions in this prison bathroom are shocking. The tiles are covered in grime. The sinks and toilets are filthy, stained with years of neglect. The stench in places like this is unbearable, a constant reminder of the system's disregard for the health and dignity of the people it imprisons.
Imagine waking up every day and being forced to use a facility that feels like a breeding ground for disease. Imagine not being able to clean yourself properly or having to live in an environment where filth is the norm. These are the living conditions that inmates face every single day.
This isn’t just a problem in Fort Dix; this is a systemic issue in prisons across the country. Unsanitary conditions like these create physical and mental health challenges for inmates, reinforcing cycles of despair and dehumanization. When you treat someone like they’re less than human, how can you expect them to rise above it when they leave?
Why It Matters
It’s easy to write off inmates and say, “They’re in prison; they deserve it.” But let’s ask ourselves: What does it say about us as a society when we allow anyone to live in conditions like this?
Poor prison conditions don’t just harm inmates—they harm society as a whole. Many incarcerated individuals will eventually re-enter our communities. They will be our neighbors, coworkers, or even family members. When people are treated with such disregard for years, they carry the trauma with them. Instead of fostering rehabilitation, these conditions perpetuate cycles of dehumanization and recidivism.
It’s also important to remember that not everyone in prison is guilty. There are countless individuals behind bars due to wrongful convictions, unfair sentencing practices, or systemic bias. Should those individuals suffer because of the system’s failures?
A Personal Perspective
This fight is personal for me. My husband is incarcerated. Every day, I see firsthand how broken this system is. And while I know he made mistakes, I also know he is so much more than those mistakes. He’s a man who loves deeply, who supports me through my struggles, and who fights daily to stay strong in an environment designed to break him.
My stepfather, on the other hand, is a free man despite causing unimaginable harm. The system isn’t always about justice—it’s about politics, bias, and profit.
These experiences have taught me that not all inmates deserve to be there, and even for those who do, they deserve to be treated like human beings. Mistakes don’t strip away your humanity.
A Call to Action
We cannot remain silent. We must start speaking up and advocating for these men and women. If we don’t, who will?
It’s time to demand better. It’s time to educate ourselves about the realities of prison conditions and advocate for reform. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- How would I feel if this were my loved one?
- What would I want someone to do if I were in their shoes?
- What steps can I take to demand change in the system?
You can write to legislators, share stories like this, or get involved with organizations fighting for inmate rights. But the first step is to care.
A Word from Scripture
As we fight for change, let’s remember what God calls us to do:
“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” – Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
This verse reminds us to show compassion, to see beyond someone’s circumstances, and to care for the forgotten. It is our duty as people of faith to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and love.
Conclusion
The photos you see here are more than just images—they are a call for change. We cannot ignore this any longer. Mistakes should not erase someone’s humanity, and we must hold the system accountable for how it treats the people in its care.
Together, we can fight for justice—not just in sentencing, but in treatment. Let’s be the voices for those who have been silenced. Change starts with us.
Join the Movement
Let’s speak out together. Use your voice, your platform, your passion to demand reform. Share this post, start a conversation, and take action.
#EppersonEmpowerment
#PowerOfOurVoiceLLC
#AdvocacyForInmates
#PrisonReformNow
#HumanRightsMatter
#EndTheSilence
What steps will you take to fight for the change we need? Let’s start the conversation below.
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