In a significant legal development, Trevor Potter and Makiah Mackey have filed separate lawsuits against the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), accusing the agency of failing to protect them from physical and verbal abuse inflicted by both fellow youths and staff members at various OYA facilities. Potter identifies as bisexual and has since been released from custody, while Mackey identifies as pansexual and remains within the OYA system.
Both plaintiffs contend that they experienced harassment and physical assaults from their peers, with staff members either turning a blind eye to the abuse or actively engaging in anti-LGBTQ+ harassment. Nicole Lemieux, the attorney representing both Potter and Mackey, asserts that this is not an isolated incident but rather a systemic issue stemming from a lack of adequate policies and education within the OYA.
Potter, who was housed at the Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility, alleges that he was choked and struck on multiple occasions, with staff at St. Mary’s ignoring his complaints about harassment. He further claims that slurs from staff members at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility compounded his distress. When Potter reported incidents of other youths making inappropriate advances towards him, he alleges that staff accused him of manipulating his sexuality for personal gain.
Potter sought a transfer to escape the ongoing abuse, but he was met with indifference. According to his account, he was told to “get used to homophobia” because it was prevalent in the United States. Even after being moved to the Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility, Potter maintains that he faced continued harassment and physical assaults.
Makiah Mackey’s suit echoes similar claims of abuse and harassment from staff and fellow youths at the Grants Pass and MacLaren Youth Correctional facilities. Mackey also alleges that staff at Grants Pass imposed restrictions on his interactions and shower schedules, while he was subjected to anti-LGBTQ+ religious rhetoric at certain events. His lawsuit contends that staff dismissed his complaints, deeming them less important due to his sexual orientation.
The OYA has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, emphasizing its commitment to providing an inclusive and safe environment for all youths, regardless of their sexual orientation. Legal representatives from the Oregon Department of Justice have argued that the plaintiffs have not established a valid legal claim and will provide additional information in upcoming filings.
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for November 17, where the allegations of abuse within the Oregon Youth Authority will be further examined.
