The Black Panther Party's opposition to the center was based on the problems with psychosurgery highlighted in articles in the Black Panther including the potential for abuse among marginalized populations and the problems with biologization of violence.

Black Panther Party Opposition to the Center 

Hilliard was not the only incarcerated member of the BPP who recognized the disabling and then neglect and abuse of disabled inmates at psychiatric facilities - and due to publications such as Hilliard's autobiography, this definitely informed the Black disability politics of the BPP. 

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Hilliard in his autobiography documented the treatment of disabled prisoners at Vacaville ranging from how for a diabetic prisoner Hilliard asked for the Panther's help to ensure this inmate was kept at Vacaville rather than being sent to another facility where the prisoner would not receive medical support for his diabetes. In addition, Hilliard documented medical neglect against a paraplegic prisoner who was provided no assistance with eating, bathrooming, or bathing. The responsibility was put on Hilliard and other prisoners to care for those being neglected. 

Hilliard's Accounts of Treatment of Disabled Inmates at Vacaville

Hilliard in his autobiography recounted the disabling of prisoners at Vacaville through overmedication including how inmates who were perceived as having a high potential for violent behavior were left palsied by prolixin.

Hilliard's Accounts of the Disabling Effects of Vacaville

Schalk, Sami. Black Disability Politics, New York, USA: Duke University Press, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781478027003

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