Replica Solitary Confinement Cell Installed at Capitol

LINCOLN, Neb. – A replica solitary confinement cell will greet lawmakers and visitors at the Nebraska State Capitol this week. The installation will be on display on the first floor of the Capitol through Sunday.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska’s replica cell aims to raise awareness of the use of isolated confinement in Nebraska’s prisons, a practice the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) refers to as restrictive housing.

The 6’ x 9’ replica cell houses a bed pallet and a combined toilet and sink. On the outside, a message reads "Think outside the box. Solitary reform now.”

The ACLU of Nebraska advocates for limiting isolation to no more than 15 consecutive days, a human rights standard in the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules. NDCS confined 1,121 people in restrictive housing last fiscal year. About 20% of that group spent more than 15 days in isolation. Some of those Nebraskans spent the entire year there.

Information provided with the exhibit describes current trends in the prison system as well as juvenile facilities such as Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers. Last month, an Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare report noted a 44% annual increase in instances of juvenile room confinement — the state’s highest reported number of confinement incidents.

ACLU of Nebraska Policy Strategist Jason Witmer, who experienced solitary confinement in the state prison system, said the display aims to start conversations about something that impacts all Nebraskans:

“The research backs up what I feel most Nebraskans already believe: long-term isolation undermines rehabilitation, damages mental health and just generally leaves people worse than when they came in. It is not just morally wrong, it is irresponsible because we know the likely result: more homelessness, substance abuse and recidivism after a sentence ends. With most people in our prisons eventually returning to our communities, we need a smarter and more humane approach. Nebraska should be prioritizing rehabilitation over isolation.”

A bill that would cap how long people can be held in isolation and clarify definitions to better protect vulnerable Nebraskans remains in committee. State Sens. Spivey, Guereca, McKinney and Conrad cosponsored LB 99.