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Host Charlie-Shelton Ormond explores how a multimillion dollar jail expansion proposal in Haywood County is causing a rift within the community and raising questions about the importance of rehabilitation and the effectiveness of incarceration.
A multimillion dollar jail expansion proposal in Haywood County is causing a rift within the community and raising questions about the importance of rehabilitation and the effectiveness of incarceration.
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In November 2020, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher sent a proposal to the county commissioners for a $16 million jail expansion.
A few days later, an email appeared in the inboxes of Christopher, County Commissioners Kevin Ensley and Brandon Rogers, and City Manager Bryant Morehead. It was from Jesse-Lee Dunlap, who was enraged.
“Folks, I have to say that I am shocked, disappointed and subsequently angry about the news of a jail addition. Quite frankly, it feels like a slap in the face,” wrote Dunlap, who works at Down Home North Carolina, a grassroots organization that mobilizes rural residents on different community projects statewide.
188 2 minutes read
In North Carolina’s Haywood County a car protest was organized on Feb. 1 by the Party for Socialism and Liberation to oppose Haywood County’s plan to expand the existing jail in Waynesville, North Carolina. The caravan was also attended by Down Home North Carolina, an organization which began the No New Jail campaign in 2020 to stop Haywood County from spending $16.5 million to construct a new detention facility.
Photo by Liberation News
Cars that joined the caravan had signs that read: “If they build it, they will fill it,” “No new jail in Haywood County,” “Fund services, not jails” and “Treatment, not jails.” As the caravan went through the busy streets of Waynesville, many passersby showed their support to the drivers.