Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is responding to recent comments by Deputy Assembly Speaker Jeffrion Aubry (D-Queens) comparing the refusal to offer college courses to inmates to slavery. Friend recently fought against the closure of the Monterey Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility, which provided discipline, structure, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. He believes Aubry should consider helping re-open Monterey Shock to help provide inmates with more opportunities while they are in prison.

“I encourage Assemblyman Aubry and the Inside Out Coalition to join my fight for more shock locations in New York,” Friend said. “This issue is larger than college credits. Incarcerated individuals need structure, discipline and the proper rehabilitative care for their addictions. These all are components of what will make those incarcerated successful in their future endeavors and set them up for success when taking college courses.”