Kate Walz
@katewalz.bsky.social
Executive Director at @uplcchicago.bsky.social - Movement lawyer, believer in systems change, mom of 2
Last chance to give! Don’t miss out. #GivingTuesday
It’s #GivingTuesday! ⏰ Help us raise $8,000 to protect people in Illinois prisons.
🎁 New donors or anyone upgrading their gift today enters to win a UPLC tote. Every donation counts.
Donate now: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
🎁 New donors or anyone upgrading their gift today enters to win a UPLC tote. Every donation counts.
Donate now: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
This Giving Tuesday, make a difference in the lives of people in prison
Your generous gift will be put to use immediately to help people Thanks to the support of caring people like you, for over 45 years, UPLC has worked to support people in prison. Prisoners' rights are ...
uplc.networkforgood.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Last chance to give! Don’t miss out. #GivingTuesday
Today’s the day! Your support fuels our work to stop the inhumane conditions people in prison face and help them when they come home. #GivingTuesday
It’s #GivingTuesday! ⏰ Help us raise $8,000 to protect people in Illinois prisons.
🎁 New donors or anyone upgrading their gift today enters to win a UPLC tote. Every donation counts.
Donate now: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
🎁 New donors or anyone upgrading their gift today enters to win a UPLC tote. Every donation counts.
Donate now: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
This Giving Tuesday, make a difference in the lives of people in prison
Your generous gift will be put to use immediately to help people Thanks to the support of caring people like you, for over 45 years, UPLC has worked to support people in prison. Prisoners' rights are ...
uplc.networkforgood.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Today’s the day! Your support fuels our work to stop the inhumane conditions people in prison face and help them when they come home. #GivingTuesday
Tomorrow is THE DAY to support @uplcchicago.bsky.social and help us fight for the civil and human rights of people in prison! Every donation makes a difference.
Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! 💥 We’re raising $8,000 to fight for people in Illinois prisons.
🎁 New donors or anyone who upgrades their gift is entered to win a UPLC tote. Every gift counts.
Donate early: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
🎁 New donors or anyone who upgrades their gift is entered to win a UPLC tote. Every gift counts.
Donate early: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/265...
This Giving Tuesday, make a difference in the lives of people in prison
Your generous gift will be put to use immediately to help people Thanks to the support of caring people like you, for over 45 years, UPLC has worked to support people in prison. Prisoners' rights are ...
uplc.networkforgood.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Tomorrow is THE DAY to support @uplcchicago.bsky.social and help us fight for the civil and human rights of people in prison! Every donation makes a difference.
Tonight, our colleague Stanley Howard joined other survivors of solitary confinement to tell their stories. #endsolitary #solitaryistorture
October 10, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Tonight, our colleague Stanley Howard joined other survivors of solitary confinement to tell their stories. #endsolitary #solitaryistorture
Reposted by Kate Walz
Today, we joined other organizations in filing 7 lawsuits that reveal a pervasive culture of sexual assault by correctional officers at Logan prison in Illinois. Individual perpetrators must face accountability, and the DOC must address this ongoing cycle of abuse, cover-ups, and retaliation.
Female prisoners allege widespread abuse, retaliation at IDOC facility in multiple complaints
Seven current or former inmates at Logan Correctional Center have filed separate lawsuits against officers, prison staff and leadership, alleging a widespread pattern of sexual abuse.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Today, we joined other organizations in filing 7 lawsuits that reveal a pervasive culture of sexual assault by correctional officers at Logan prison in Illinois. Individual perpetrators must face accountability, and the DOC must address this ongoing cycle of abuse, cover-ups, and retaliation.
Reposted by Kate Walz
“There’s this culture — [Illinois] DOC officials, going all the way up to the director, have known about it for years and have done nothing to remedy it,” said Nicole Schult, legal director at UPLC. More coverage of our lawsuits about sexual assaults by prison staff on @wttw.bsky.social:
Incarcerated Women Allege Sexual Abuse, Retaliation at Logan Correctional Center
Seven current and formerly incarcerated women filed federal lawsuits over the last week alleging sexual assault, harassment and institutional retaliation at Illinois’ primary women’s prison, Logan Cor...
news.wttw.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
“There’s this culture — [Illinois] DOC officials, going all the way up to the director, have known about it for years and have done nothing to remedy it,” said Nicole Schult, legal director at UPLC. More coverage of our lawsuits about sexual assaults by prison staff on @wttw.bsky.social:
@uplcchicago.bsky.social Colleague Stanley Howard tells it like it is about the horrors of solitary confinement. paper.suntimes.com/infinity/art...
End solitary confinement in Illinois
End solitary confinement in Illinois
paper.suntimes.com
September 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
@uplcchicago.bsky.social Colleague Stanley Howard tells it like it is about the horrors of solitary confinement. paper.suntimes.com/infinity/art...
So proud to be a part of this effort but horrified we have to bring it. We must end this culture of violence and predation in IDOC.
Today, we joined other organizations in filing 7 lawsuits that reveal a pervasive culture of sexual assault by correctional officers at Logan prison in Illinois. Individual perpetrators must face accountability, and the DOC must address this ongoing cycle of abuse, cover-ups, and retaliation.
Female prisoners allege widespread abuse, retaliation at IDOC facility in multiple complaints
Seven current or former inmates at Logan Correctional Center have filed separate lawsuits against officers, prison staff and leadership, alleging a widespread pattern of sexual abuse.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:28 PM
So proud to be a part of this effort but horrified we have to bring it. We must end this culture of violence and predation in IDOC.
Not necessary and not needed. Curious that this happens just as the state begins collecting data on contraband.
Under an emergency rule, the Illinois Department of Corrections is moving to allow prisons across the state to electronically scan and distribute mail.
IDOC states this is to prevent the smuggling of contraband and hazardous substances.
to.wttw.com/4p7zzs2
IDOC states this is to prevent the smuggling of contraband and hazardous substances.
to.wttw.com/4p7zzs2
Under Emergency Rule, Illinois Prisons Plan to Withhold Physical Mail in Favor of Electronic Scanning
The change comes after debate over the safety of physical mail. IDOC states that these emergency rules are intended to prevent the smuggling of contraband and hazardous substances into correctional fa...
to.wttw.com
September 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Not necessary and not needed. Curious that this happens just as the state begins collecting data on contraband.
Reposted by Kate Walz
#USDemocracy #Illinois #IL
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights:
• Family Support Network and Hotline:
www.icirr.org/fsn
• Información en español:
www.icirr.org/red-de-apoyo...
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights:
• Family Support Network and Hotline:
www.icirr.org/fsn
• Información en español:
www.icirr.org/red-de-apoyo...
September 7, 2025 at 9:14 PM
#USDemocracy #Illinois #IL
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights:
• Family Support Network and Hotline:
www.icirr.org/fsn
• Información en español:
www.icirr.org/red-de-apoyo...
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights:
• Family Support Network and Hotline:
www.icirr.org/fsn
• Información en español:
www.icirr.org/red-de-apoyo...
Reposted by Kate Walz
⚠️ @bpncchicago.bsky.social :
'We stood strong on the southwest side today with icirr.org to say NO to ICE in our communities! '
If you believe you see #ICE activity, call the #Illinois Family Support Network Hotline at (855) 435-7693
p2a.co/csudyth?fbcl...
'We stood strong on the southwest side today with icirr.org to say NO to ICE in our communities! '
If you believe you see #ICE activity, call the #Illinois Family Support Network Hotline at (855) 435-7693
p2a.co/csudyth?fbcl...
September 8, 2025 at 10:08 PM
⚠️ @bpncchicago.bsky.social :
'We stood strong on the southwest side today with icirr.org to say NO to ICE in our communities! '
If you believe you see #ICE activity, call the #Illinois Family Support Network Hotline at (855) 435-7693
p2a.co/csudyth?fbcl...
'We stood strong on the southwest side today with icirr.org to say NO to ICE in our communities! '
If you believe you see #ICE activity, call the #Illinois Family Support Network Hotline at (855) 435-7693
p2a.co/csudyth?fbcl...
No one asked for this and no one needs this. The cruelty of this administration continues to be the point. #gohome #wekeepourselvessafe
ICE has launched "Operation Midway Blitz" with immigration raids in Chicago. blockclubchi.co/4m74AcS
September 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
No one asked for this and no one needs this. The cruelty of this administration continues to be the point. #gohome #wekeepourselvessafe
We stand with @chicagohomeless.bsky.social and our partners to protect people who are unhoused in #Uptown.
@chicagohomeless.bsky.social and our partners are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness
City officials are working with the anti-homelessness nonprofit organization All Chicago to help prepare encampment communities located in places like parks and underpasses, for the possible deployment of the National Guard and other federal agents.
September 1, 2025 at 10:13 PM
We stand with @chicagohomeless.bsky.social and our partners to protect people who are unhoused in #Uptown.
Reposted by Kate Walz
We prepared this Know Your Rights card in partnership with All Chicago to support the unsheltered on the coming weeks. We also created a phone line to answer question and help direct people to resources.
We are going to do all we can to protect people in this moment of threat.
We are going to do all we can to protect people in this moment of threat.
🚨 Information Card: Know Your Rights as an Unsheltered Person - Federal Enforcement in Chicago // Conozca sus derechos como persona experimentando falta de vivienda: Aplicación de la ley federal en Chicago chicagohomeless.org/outreach/
August 31, 2025 at 2:45 PM
We prepared this Know Your Rights card in partnership with All Chicago to support the unsheltered on the coming weeks. We also created a phone line to answer question and help direct people to resources.
We are going to do all we can to protect people in this moment of threat.
We are going to do all we can to protect people in this moment of threat.
Cruel. Inhumane. We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness - housing is and has always been the solution.
The @prospect.org reports on the exploding policing and criminalization of homelessness, "When Sleeping is a Crime," on the day Trump ramps up a crackdown in DC: prospect.org/justice/2025...
When Sleeping Is a Crime
With a new executive order and model state legislation criminalizing homelessness, the richest people in the U.S. are making it easier to lock up the poorest.
prospect.org
August 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Cruel. Inhumane. We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness - housing is and has always been the solution.
Reposted by Kate Walz
The reality is there is not enough available housing to meet the needs of folks across the city. That's why we continue to push for significant & reliable resources to increase the supply of permanent housing & services available to those facing homelessness in Chicago. (4/4)
July 31, 2025 at 6:11 PM
The reality is there is not enough available housing to meet the needs of folks across the city. That's why we continue to push for significant & reliable resources to increase the supply of permanent housing & services available to those facing homelessness in Chicago. (4/4)
Reposted by Kate Walz
Closing encampments without offering permanent solutions merely pushes people experiencing homelessness into other areas, causing additional turmoil and disrupting community support they’ve established. (3/4)
July 31, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Closing encampments without offering permanent solutions merely pushes people experiencing homelessness into other areas, causing additional turmoil and disrupting community support they’ve established. (3/4)
Heat is about to rise again this week and it takes more than the small cup of ice people in prison are given to address this public health crisis. Take action now!
People are being tortured in Illinois prisons due to the excessive heat. Call Gov. Pritzker TODAY and tell him this must be addressed! See the second image for what to say when you call.
![Text reads: Hi, my name is _____ _______ & I live in [City, State]. I’m calling to say that the Governor MUST address the heat in Illinois’ prisons. People inside must be given adequate ventilation, fans, ice, & other cooling measures. Upper floors should be evacuated if necessary. These temperatures are torturous & dangerous, even lethal.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6jlonmoajg7mf6bimoy7d3ff/bafkreihc4sezvcaboymksgfcpii5sm3gesk5vqkuvognfkquz7e7tqpisi@jpeg)
August 6, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Heat is about to rise again this week and it takes more than the small cup of ice people in prison are given to address this public health crisis. Take action now!
The price of staying connected to loved ones and the outer world is only going up in IL. This is extractive and inhumane.
IL ranks 17th in the US for the affordability of a 15 minute call from prison. Meanwhile, in New York, starting next month all phone calls from state prisons will be FREE. This supports families and reentry. IL should follow NY's lead on this victory for dignity and justice!
New York to make phone calls free in its state prisons
The state corrections department will begin to lift that charge starting Aug. 1.
www.wxxinews.org
August 6, 2025 at 1:01 AM
The price of staying connected to loved ones and the outer world is only going up in IL. This is extractive and inhumane.
Reposted by Kate Walz
IL ranks 17th in the US for the affordability of a 15 minute call from prison. Meanwhile, in New York, starting next month all phone calls from state prisons will be FREE. This supports families and reentry. IL should follow NY's lead on this victory for dignity and justice!
New York to make phone calls free in its state prisons
The state corrections department will begin to lift that charge starting Aug. 1.
www.wxxinews.org
August 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
IL ranks 17th in the US for the affordability of a 15 minute call from prison. Meanwhile, in New York, starting next month all phone calls from state prisons will be FREE. This supports families and reentry. IL should follow NY's lead on this victory for dignity and justice!
Reposted by Kate Walz
Sun-Times columnist @neilsteinberg.bsky.social shares a thoughtful reflection on Trump’s Executive Order on homelessness:
"It’s like we’re cycling through vulnerable communities, one by one, to see who can be demonized and oppressed next."
"It’s like we’re cycling through vulnerable communities, one by one, to see who can be demonized and oppressed next."
Trump lowers the boom on more of society's most vulnerable
Two new executive orders put unhoused and mentally ill people in his crosshairs.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 29, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Sun-Times columnist @neilsteinberg.bsky.social shares a thoughtful reflection on Trump’s Executive Order on homelessness:
"It’s like we’re cycling through vulnerable communities, one by one, to see who can be demonized and oppressed next."
"It’s like we’re cycling through vulnerable communities, one by one, to see who can be demonized and oppressed next."
Sweltering heat and no relief remains norm in #idoc. @uplcchicago.bsky.social sent a letter to #idoc today demanding answers and action. Please do the same!
new: michael broadway's family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against idoc, wexford health services, & prison staff.
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
In Illinois, a Private Prison Company’s Long Trail of Deaths and High-Dollar Contracts
This year, Illinois again picked Wexford Health Services for prison health care despite longstanding claims of neglect. A judge has since extended court monitoring of prisons.
boltsmag.org
July 25, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Sweltering heat and no relief remains norm in #idoc. @uplcchicago.bsky.social sent a letter to #idoc today demanding answers and action. Please do the same!
Reposted by Kate Walz
new: michael broadway's family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against idoc, wexford health services, & prison staff.
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
In Illinois, a Private Prison Company’s Long Trail of Deaths and High-Dollar Contracts
This year, Illinois again picked Wexford Health Services for prison health care despite longstanding claims of neglect. A judge has since extended court monitoring of prisons.
boltsmag.org
November 14, 2024 at 4:41 PM
new: michael broadway's family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against idoc, wexford health services, & prison staff.
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
broadway died from asthma amid sweltering heat & neglect at stateville correctional center. i wrote about mike and wexford's troubling history last month for @bolts.bsky.social:
The cruelty remains the point. People experiencing homelessness are already criminalized. We need more housing - not handcuffs.
July 25, 2025 at 2:11 AM
The cruelty remains the point. People experiencing homelessness are already criminalized. We need more housing - not handcuffs.