Congressman Thompson To Host Town Hall Meeting: Focus On Columbia And Oakley Training Schools

Congressman Thompson To Host Town Hall Meeting: Focus On Columbia And Oakley Training Schools
July 1, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that he will host a town hall meeting to address constituent concerns related to Mississippi's two training schools, Columbia and Oakley.

"Unfortunately, the issues of poor medical care, unsafe conditions, and inadequate educational instruction continue to plague the training schools. In the three years following my initial complaint, a federal investigation has been conducted, several lawsuits have been filed and a number of state officials have visited the schools, yet, the children remained locked up and in need of medical assistance. For them, little has changed," Congressman Thompson stated.

"I have invited the Justice Department to participate in a town hall meeting that will allow families who have been affected by the training schools to tell their stories. In addition, I have invited local and state officials, the Mississippi Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Coalition and other concerned citizens to share their experiences. While the federal government is an important piece of the puzzle, this will be an opportunity to encourage state officials to use their authority in a way that will improve life for our children."

The town hall meeting will be held:

July 1, 2004
6:00 p.m.
Hinds County Board of Supervisors Room (First Floor)
Hinds County Chancery Clerk Building
316 South President Street
Jackson, MS

For additional information, please contact I. Lanier Avant (202.225.5876).