A recent op-ed by Nicholas Kristof at The New York Times recounts some of the horrors of juveniles forced to serve prison sentences in adult jails. What’s disturbing about the article is that the fact that 10% of juveniles report being raped and sexually abused in prison probably doesn’t come as a surprise to any of us. What is even more disturbing is that despite our lack of surprise, most of us will digest that information with a shrug and say, “But what can I do?” The answer is on our Take Action and Contribute Pages (The Join Us page is under construction, but for now you can find us on Twitter)

What absolutely angers me is that, beyond our impotent reaction to that information, is that there are human beings who routinely decide to charge children as adults with full knowledge of what may happen to them. Those people are Colorado’s District Attorneys. When is it okay to subject someone to rape and torture? Apparently, it’s fine when you’re seeking reelection.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Kids are different from adults. We don’t let kids under 18 vote or sign contracts; they can’t  drink or become police officers until they’re 21. But in dozens and dozens of cases, DAs charge kids as adults.

DAs, with full knowledge that the types of sentences they are seeking are horrifically vengeful,  continue to use the practice of direct file to mete out cruel and unusual punishments to kids–just to make headlines. Punishing kids–subjecting them to rape and torture–purely for political gain is unconscionable.

It’s time to tell state legislators to end direct file. Now!