FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOJ Finds State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City Police Violated Civil Rights of People with Behavioral Health Disabilities
[Oklahoma City, OK] – January 6, 2025: The Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) welcomes the findings issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) following its investigation into the treatment of individuals with behavioral health disabilities in Oklahoma County. The report substantiates ODLC’s long-standing concerns about systemic civil rights violations, confirming that the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD), have violated federal law.
According to the DOJ report, Oklahoma unnecessarily institutionalizes or risks the institutionalization of adults with behavioral health disabilities, contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, Oklahoma City and OKCPD’s handling of emergency response services discriminates against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, often escalating crises instead of resolving them.
“Thousands of Oklahomans are trapped in a harmful cycle of unnecessary hospitalization and law enforcement intervention due to inadequate community-based mental health services,” said Brian Wilkerson, Director of Litigation and Legal Services. “This report validates the experiences of countless individuals and families who have suffered due to these systemic failures.”
While ODLC is heartened by the DOJ’s recognition of these serious issues, the organization is deeply concerned by the dismissive response from some state officials. “Labeling these findings as mere government overreach does a disservice to the people of Oklahoma and undermines efforts to address these pressing problems,” Wilkerson added. “This is not the time for political posturing—it’s a call to action to build a better, more equitable system for all.”
ODLC encourages mental health advocates and all those interested in learning more about the DOJ’s findings to attend the virtual community meeting hosted by the Justice Department on January 7 at 6 p.m. CT. To join, please register at www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lZgzBC4lRJiw7tk3pfEXrw#/registration.
For more information about this issue or to speak with an ODLC representative, please contact RoseAnn Duplan at 405-409-5781.
Nancy Ward to Retire
After 20 years of service to the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Nancy Ward is retiring. Please join us for a celebration on January 3rd, 2025, at the Oklahoma City Center for NonProfits headquarters at 701 N Lindsey, Oklahoma CIty , 73104 to honor her for her time at ODLC and her work on behalf of people with disabilities in the State of Oklahoma, nationally and internationally.
There will be a Come and Go reception from 12:00 pm to 2:00 Please provide your RSVP to attend by December 20th. RSVP at: www.roseann@okdlc.org
We plan to have a slide show at the event so if you have a photo that you would like to include in the slide show or if you are unable to attend but have a note you would like to add to her book please email photos or notes to roseann@okdlc.org. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
Melissa Sublett
Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Historic Settlement Reached in Briggs v. Friesen: A Victory for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness in the Oklahoma Justice System
[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma] – The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is proud to announce a historic settlement in the class action lawsuit Briggs v. Friesen, a case that highlights the urgent need for reform in how Oklahoma addresses mental health competency evaluations and restoration services for individuals with serious mental illness in the justice system.
The plaintiffs in this case are individuals with severe mental illnesses who were forced to languish in jails for months or even years without appropriate mental health treatment while awaiting competency restoration services. This settlement is a critical step in addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that individuals with mental health needs are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.
“This agreement signifies a meaningful step forward in ensuring timely mental health competency restoration services for individuals with severe mental illness who are navigating the justice system,” said Brian Wilkerson, Class Counsel and Director of Litigation and Legal Services for ODLC. “Together, we are hopeful that these improvements will create a more compassionate, effective, and just system that better serves those requiring mental health support in Oklahoma.”
The settlement outlines significant commitments from the state to improve the timeliness and quality of mental health competency evaluations and restoration services. These changes are expected to positively impact countless lives by reducing unnecessary jail time, increasing access to mental health treatment, and fostering a more just legal process for individuals with serious mental health conditions.
Nick Southerland, Staff Attorney at ODLC said, “ODLC applauds this landmark agreement as a collaborative effort between advocates and state partners to address systemic inequities in the justice system. Moving forward, ODLC is committed to ensuring the agreement is implemented effectively and that its promise of meaningful reform becomes a reality.”
For more information about the Briggs v. Friesen settlement or ODLC’s ongoing efforts to advocate for individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma, please contact:
RoseAnn Duplan
Policy and Communications Specialist
Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
Phone: 405-409-5781
Email: roseann@okdlc.org