Group of Inmates Successfully Fights to Witness Celestial Event Together
Jeremy Zielinski and five other incarcerated individuals have achieved a remarkable victory against the state. The group sued the New York state corrections department for the opportunity to view Monday’s solar eclipse. Zielinski, an atheist serving a 14.5-year sentence for first-degree rape, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “It’s impossible to overstate how sublime it is.“
Religious Diversity and Unity
The diverse group of plaintiffs, including individuals of various faiths such as Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Islam, and Santeria, argued in a federal lawsuit that the eclipse holds religious importance to them. They contended that being denied the right to observe the phenomenon infringed upon their constitutional rights.
State’s Decision to Allow Viewing
Following the lawsuit, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision agreed to let the men witness the eclipse together. Zielinski highlighted the unity and meaningful conversations that arose from this experience, stating, “More than anything, it’s a chance to celebrate that beneath any illusions of difference, we all have things in common.“
Celebration of Shared Humanity
Zielinski emphasized the importance of recognizing and embracing such moments of connection and understanding. The prisoners hope that the state continues to acknowledge the significance of such events and approves any pending requests to join their observance.
Looking Forward
The inmates’ triumph in securing the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse serves as a powerful reminder of the universal aspects of humanity that bring people together, regardless of their circumstances.