DeSantis Signs Dozier Bill, Victims React

BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Governor Ron Desantis signed House Bill 21 into law. The bill is called the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program.

This program allows the state to allocate 20 million dollars for the victims of these schools. Anyone who attended these schools between 1940 and 1975 and was a victim of mental, physical and/or sexual abuse by school staff while in custody could be eligible to receive $50,000.

A Blountstown man who is eligible said there is no amount of money you can pay him that will heal his trauma.

“It was one of the worst moments of my life,” said Tommy Hill, A man sent to school by a judge in 1966. “When you get beaten like that, I don’t think I can put a price on something like that.”

Hill said the fights took place at the White House, a building on campus. He tells us he’s still traumatized by memories of school staff taking it too far. Leaving kids like Hill to clean up the mess.

“They beat them so bad they didn’t make it. everyone there knew what was going on. I mean you see these graves, about 5-6 feet long. It’s not hard to understand. Then we have to come out here and clean up around them and make them look natural, because they didn’t want anyone to notice them.”

Hill said she doesn’t think she will accept the money because she has a disability and thinks it will hurt her situation more than it will help.

Application for this program will open on 1 July 2024 and close on 31 December 2024.

A victim must provide proof of detention and abuse to receive the money.

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