On the grounds of the Dozier School for Boys, a reform school in Florida, are 32 metal crosses which are believed to hold the remains of 32 students buried decades ago in shallow graves. On December 9, 2008, Florida Governor Charlie Crist ordered an investigation into the deaths, because of allegations from four former residents of the school.CNN: Search of 32 graves ordered at Florida reform school (December 9, 2008)
Brutality at the White House
All four men reported that they regularly experienced brutality, in the form of sexual assaults and regular beatings with a metal-reinforced strap. They all spoke of being beaten until they could not stand up, until they passed out, until the blood filled their underpants. They all knew of students who had disappeared; Colon reported seeing an African American boy who had been crammed into a tumbling dryer.CNN: Search of 32 graves ordered at Florida reform school (December 9, 2008)
The men first learned of the existence of the graves in October 2008, when they were invited to dedicate a plaque marking the end of the reform school system.Miami Herald: Inquiry urged into remains buried at school for boys (December 9, 2008)
"White, African-American, they're all there ... I believe they will find crushed skulls, and broken bones —and hopefully, one day, the murderers."—Dick ColonCNN: Search of 32 graves ordered at Florida reform school (December 9, 2008)
References
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The White House was the name of the building where boys who mouthed off were taken and beaten bloodyMiami Herald: Inquiry urged into remains buried at school for boys (December 9, 2008)
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Roger Kiser has written several short stories about his experiences at the Dozier School, one of which, The Bully, was adapted into a film by Nicholas Delfino.Roger Dean Kiser: Home page
