On September 30, the State of Florida plans to execute Victor Tony Jones, an intellectually disabled Black man who was brutally abused as a child at the Okeechobee School for Boys. He is part of the very group of survivors that the Florida Legislature formally recognized and compensated just last year through the Dozier and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program.
That legislation mattered. It was a moment of truth – when Florida leaders admitted responsibility, apologized, and committed to honoring survivors instead of ignoring them. But if Victor is executed, that promise will be broken.
Executing Victor Jones would mean Florida is killing a man it has already admitted was a victim of horrific state-sanctioned child abuse. We cannot allow the State to apologize with one hand and kill with the other.
Now, it’s time to act.
Please write to the Florida State Senators and House Representatives today who sponsored this legislation and urge them to honor the Dozier bill they supported by speaking out against the execution of survivors like Victor Jones.
- Click here to send a message to the Senate Sponsors
- Click here to send a message to the House Sponsors
Your voice matters. Legislators need to hear that their constituents expect them to stand by the values of justice and dignity they affirmed when they passed this legislation.
Together, we can hold Florida accountable to its word and ensure that survivors are not betrayed.
In solidarity,
The FADP Team
P.S. Please remember to sign and share this petition urging Governor DeSantis to stop Victor’s execution. Once you’ve signed, click here to send Governor DeSantis a message.