By Joey Lachman
(published 3/8/24)
Florida Politicians have proposed a new bill that would compensate those who survived the Dozier School for Boys. One of Florida’s darker memories, the school was used as a correctional school for boys who needed “reform” back in the 50s and 60s. However, things took a gruesome turn as the school developed a reputation for brutality and severe mistreatment of the boys. Incomplete records had been found regarding 45 missing bodies and the unknown burial site as well as over 500 former students reporting physical, mental, and sexual abuse.
“The Judge told me that my mother said I always wanted to go in the Navy, and I agreed so they sent me.” Says Ed Lachman, who was sentenced to join the Navy instead of the boy’s school in 1962. “Thank God. I was in trouble for trying to steal gas, the judge sent me to the Navy instead of the Dozier boy’s camp. I thank whoever was looking out for me.”
Many of the other boys were not as lucky as Ed. Whether it was petty theft, siphoning gas, or just running away from home whenever a boy got in trouble in Florida from around 1940-70 Dozier School for Boys was most likely the place they would end up. Hard to believe that in a place where these boys were supposed to get some support and guidance, they ended up getting the nightmare that would haunt them for the rest of their lives, if they could survive it.
“I just don’t know what I would do without him. When I imagine if he had chosen the opposite, my life would look so different and so sad. I can only imagine how the families who lost loved ones felt. Hopefully, this program can bring them closure.” Says Terri Lachman, wife to Ed and St. Pete resident since 1956.
Closure is exactly what the Florida legislature is trying to give these victims after so many years of hardship. The bill has not received any votes against it and has passed through the Florida House of Representatives. Now the bill is being read in the Senate and seems to be a “sure-fire pass”. There are also a couple of companion bills that would protect the privacy of these victims seeking compensation as well as setting up the program itself with the proper state departments.
Because these horrible crimes occured in a state facility, the state must take care of the victims.
"I believe this bill offers a straightforward solution to address the needs of survivors… I'm confident that this bill will be effective in providing much-needed support to survivors as they continue on their journey towards healing and closure” says Senator and founder of the bill, Daryl Rouson.
After reading through the bill text, things are missing that might have helped truly put this horrible event to bed. Only living victims are eligible for the compensation program and they only are accepting “living person(s) who was confined at the 105 Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys or at the Okeechobee School at any time between 1940 and 1975”. There is no kind of compensation for the families who lost loved ones at the school or who have passed away since. These people seem to be impacted the hardest and there is no path to closure for them. This also begs the question as to would these people want to relive this horrific time in their lives or is it better left alone? Doesn’t the state have a responsibility to these people?
“Regardless of the time that has passed, it's never too late to do the right thing,” says Senator Linda Stewart who is a co-sponsor of the bill.
To quote Senator Rouson again, “Justice delayed is indeed justice denied” and it has been quite some time since these men stepped foot inside the school’s walls. However, it does not excuse the State of its responsibility to help these victims and their families. This bill and its companions should help to put this dreadful occurrence to bed and hopefully help to heal those who have been so gravely mistreated.
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