Malissa Miles - The Madison Miles Story

Have you ever felt what it was like to have your rights stripped away based on someone’s preconception of you?

- Taylor King

It is crazy to think about how easily one person or judge can hold someone accountable for actions they did not commit, based on stereotypical judgments and racial stigmas. How do you fight for justice when it seems like the system is against you? These are the controversies some people are faced with while dealing with legal issues regarding mistreatment and discrimination from facilities that say they are here to help. Police stations, health resources, and courthouses are made to protect, help, and serve the community, but when the system is abused, the people are left to defend for themselves. Many have become fallen victims to the legal constitution, but by bringing awareness to these issues, we as a community can help make a change.

Once a person is categorized under a certain jurisdiction, it becomes difficult for others to see them in a different light, especially in the eyes of the court. This was the harsh reality, Madison Miles, brother of professional female wide receiver for the Los Angeles Temptations, Malissa Miles, had to face. Madison was diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar disorder and was admitted to Las Encinas Mental Hospital in Pasadena, California. While being a patient, he participated in their outpatient program which allows patients to reside in their current real estate while still being able to partake in the program’s resources. The outpatient program offers services providing help managing symptoms relating to behavioral health disorders. This facility states that they assist patients to aim towards a more structured lifestyle leading them to become a more stabled well-balanced citizen for the safety of their family, work environment, and community. Unfortunately, the procedures displayed by the staff of the mental institution portray otherwise.