Monroe et al v. Rauner et al

Filing 583

ORDER continuing appointment of julie graham as second Co-Monitor. Six-month review pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3626(f)(5). The hourly compensation rate for both Co-Monitors (special masters) is the rate established under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A for payment of court appointed counsel. (Doc. 423 , pp. 5-6; Doc. 561). This hourly rate has recently increased to $164.00, thus Co-Monitor graham will be compensated from the Court's appropriated funds at this rate plus costs reasonably incurred by the Co-monitor. Signed by Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel on 5/10/2023. (beb)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
JANIAH MONROE, et al.,
individually and on behalf of a class of
similarly situated individuals,
Plaintiffs,
Case No. 3:18-CV-00156-NJR

v.
STEVEN BOWMAN,
MELVIN HINTON, and
LATOYA HUGHES,
Defendants.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
ROSENSTENGEL, Chief Judge:
This matter is before the Court pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3626(f)(5) for the second
six-month review of the appointment of second Co-Monitor julie graham, MFT.
(Docs. 423, 457). Ms. graham was charged with monitoring Defendants’ compliance with
the Court-ordered injunctive relief regarding gender-affirming prison commissary items,
elimination of cross-gender body searches, implementation of an effective transgender
identification policy including access to private showers, and training of correctional staff
and inmates on transgender issues and awareness. (Doc. 370, pp. 11-13; Doc. 384, pp. 35, 8-12). These responsibilities continue to involve extensive communication with IDOC
officials and class members to investigate reports of noncompliance with the Court’s
Orders for injunctive relief and facilitate remedial action; communication with class
members regarding commissary needs and working with IDOC staff responsible for

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providing commissary items; review of policies and procedures regarding the matters
under her oversight; and reporting to the Court. (Docs. 444, 450).
Since her appointment on May 10, 2022, Co-Monitor graham has submitted a
number of reports to the Court and parties regarding the above matters and has
recommended remedial actions (Docs. 444, 450, 460, 546, 573). Progress has been made in
some areas, but class members continue to report noncompliance in some facilities
regarding private showers and searches, and concerns over mistreatment by IDOC staff.
Training for IDOC staff and for individuals in custody at Logan is still being developed
and implemented. Plaintiffs’ motion for contempt raising these and other matters is still
under advisement (Doc. 455). Since January 2023, the parties and both Co-Monitors have
held regular meetings to address ways to bring Defendants into compliance with this
Court’s Orders. The Court has held several status hearings regarding the matters in the
contempt motion to set deadlines for action and report on progress (or the lack thereof)
toward compliance. Co-Monitor graham’s oversight and input continues to be necessary
to move this process forward.
Based on the above, the Court concludes that the appointment of julie graham as
second Co-Monitor shall continue. This matter is still in the remedial phase. Ms. graham’s
expertise is still needed to advise and assist the Court in monitoring Defendants’
compliance with the Court’s directives in this case, as well as to advise the parties on
policies and procedures that will achieve compliance with constitutional standards of
care and conditions of confinement for the Plaintiff class. This appointment will be
reviewed again in another six months.
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As previously noted, the hourly compensation rate for both Co-Monitors (special
masters) is the rate established under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A for payment of court appointed
counsel. (Doc. 423, pp. 5-6; Doc. 561). This hourly rate has recently increased to $164.00,
thus Co-Monitor graham will be compensated from the Court's appropriated funds at
this rate plus costs reasonably incurred by the Co-monitor.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED: May 10, 2023
____________________________
NANCY J. ROSENSTENGEL
Chief U.S. District Judge

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