PROTEST AT WOMEN’S HURON VALLEY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY FOLLOWING MULTIPLE DEATHS AND WORSENING MEDICAL CRISIS
Dana Nessel and Gretchen Whitmer
We are absolutely horrified that the women who lead our state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and AG Dana Nessel have for years now ignored the plight of our sisters at Women’s Huron Valley, as well as thousands of others inside MDOC. Nessel never kept her campaign promise to juvenile lifers. Whitmer refused to release prisoners dying from COVID-19. JAIL THE REAL CRIMINALS IN WHV NOW! Diane Bukowsk, editor, Voice of Detroit.
Story below by Trische Duckworth
Survivors Speak
May 20, 2026
YPSILANTI, MI — Community members, advocates, formerly incarcerated women, faith leaders, and concerned residents gathered May 20 outside of Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (3201 Bemis Rd., Ypsilanti, MI) to demand immediate intervention regarding what organizers describe as dangerous and life-threatening conditions inside the prison.
The protest comes amid growing outrage following the deaths of Khairi Howard and Rebecca Fackler this week, as well as the worsening medical condition of incarcerated woman Krystal Clark, whose supporters say has suffered years of exposure to black mold and severe medical neglect while housed inside the facility.
Organizers state that the demonstration is intended to bring public attention to ongoing reports of unsafe living conditions, lack of adequate medical care, environmental hazards, and alleged systemic neglect impacting women incarcerated at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
“This is not just about one person, it never has been, as Krystal has sounded the alarm for everyone, all while her own condition is worsening,” said Trische Duckworth, Founder and Executive Director of Survivors Speak. “Women are suffering. Families are grieving. We are calling on elected officials, oversight bodies, and the broader community to stop ignoring what is happening behind those walls.”
“We at Workers Against Oppression are heartbroken and disgusted by the abhorrent conditions at the Huron Valley Women’s Correctional Facility,” said Zane Parker of WAO. “This protest is being held to demand that our representatives listen to their constituents and do everything in their power to urge Gretchen Whitmer to grant medical clemency to Krystal Clark. We are also demanding that the grotesque conditions faced by the people in the facility be fully investigated and corrected, and that any person complicit in the facility’s criminal conditions be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to advocates, Krystal Clark’s health has continued to decline, and supporters are urgently calling for:
- Immediate medical clemency for Krystal Clark
- Independent third-party inspections for mold and environmental hazards
- Transparency surrounding deaths, medical emergencies within the facility
- Legislative and federal oversight investigations
- Emergency action to protect women currently housed at WHV
- The protest flyer also encourages community members to contact state and local officials demanding accountability and immediate intervention.
The demonstration was sponsored by: Workers Against Oppression and Survivors Speak, CONTACT Trische Duckworth Survivors Speak (734) 834-4736
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