Written by Azadeh Zohrabi
On July 1, 2011, inmates in the Security Housing Units (SHU) of Pelican Bay State Prison and Corcoran State Prison began a hunger strike to protest a variety of inhumane policies and practices that take place in these units. 
A week later the number of hunger strikers reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) had peaked at 6,600. These men are joined in hunger and solidarity by hundreds of other men and women on the outside and in other prisons across the country. The unified action is centered around five core demands:
A week later the number of hunger strikers reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) had peaked at 6,600. These men are joined in hunger and solidarity by hundreds of other men and women on the outside and in other prisons across the country. The unified action is centered around five core demands:1. End Group Punishment and Administrative Abuse
2. Abolish the Debriefing Policy, and Modify Active/Inactive Gang Status Criteria
3. Comply with the US Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons 2006 Recommendations Regarding an End to Long-Term Solitary Confinement
4. Provide Adequate and Nutritious Food
5. Expand and Provide Constructive Programming and Privileges for Indefinite SHU Status Inmates
