OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) –
Press Release -The Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC)
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.”
Link Below To ODLC
Our Mission | Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
(Republished by Robbie Robertson; Feb 16 2025)
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