State says ‘I’m sorry’
[SARN Memo for June 2, 2010]
Minnesota finally said “I’m sorry.” Sorry for the way people with disabilities were treated in state institutions.
Think about it: Forced to work without pay. Medical experiments done on you without your consent. Shock treatments to punish you. Isolation to punish you for things you can’t control. And other inhumane treatment.
Self-advocates have worked for this apology for 16 years. Three cheers for this victory. It shows our power when we stand together.
Respond to this memo!1. Statement from Senator John Marty (May 26, 2010)
Statement from Senator John Marty, the author of the Minnesota apology bill, from news release dated May 26, 2010:
“I am very pleased that the state, on a bipartisan basis, was willing to make this apology.
“For over 100 years Minnesota had public policies that took people with mental illness and disabilities away from their families and communities and committed them to state institutions. In those institutions, some were forced to work without pay, some were subjected to medical experiments and procedures without their consent, some were subjected to punitive shock treatments, aversive treatments and isolation. The Senate Health Committee heard from adults who spent their childhood locked in an institution, away from their families, sometimes being cruelly punished for things beyond their control. They were denied the dignity that every person deserves. This is a shameful part of Minnesota’s history.
“By offering this public apology, the state acknowledges its past mistakes, and helps put closure on this era. This apology may not seem important to some, but for people who were wrongfully committed to these institutions earlier in their lives, this apology is of great importance. For the individuals and families affected, they are finally hearing the state say these meaningful words, ‘we’re sorry’.”
2. Read the Apology Bill
Download and read the State of Minnesota House of Representatives House File No. 1680.
3. Group Work: Behind the Apology
A state apology like Minnesota’s doesn’t just happen. It is the result of a lot of work by ordinary people—behind the scenes. People lead, leaders follow.
Get a big piece of paper. On one side, write “Minnesota says I’m sorry.” On the other side (behind the scenes), write down everything your group can think of that might have led to the point at which the state apologized and the governor signed it.
4. Resource
Getting Organized
Minnesota self-advocates have been working for this apology for 16 years. Learn their story and how to use an issue like institutions to organize to make change.
Today’s Trivia Question:
A marsupial is an animal with a pouch. Which of these is NOT a marsupial?
- kangaroo
- opossum
- flying squirrel
- koala
(The answer will be published in the next Memo.)
Answer to May 26th Trivia Question: b. New York
Question was: In what state did the 1969 Woodstock Music festival take place?
- Massachusetts
- New York
- California
- Minnesota
Do you have a trivia item you’d like to submit?
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Reader Responses
Many, many, many congratulations to you and to everyone who has worked so long to make this happen. I can’t imagine how you must feel.
Bravo! After 16 years of dedicated work, it’s so good to read that the State of Minnesota has made this formal apology. Well done!
Jerry