McKenzie Hartmann- Lost Boys of Dozier School Uncovered 5th Period

In 1900 the Dozier School for Buys was opened as a reform school for the purpose of correcting troubled youths.  However, the notorious state run-institution, closed in 2011, has been rife with heinous accusations of abuse, both sexual and physical, mysterious disappearances and murder.  It is estimated that about 100 children died while in attendance at the school; while many were the result of illness and a tragic fire, there remain 22 boys unaccounted for.  There has long been speculation as to the alleged odious practices of the school.  Former students, now well into their sixties have come forward with horror stories about their experiences and in 2008 Florida began looking into these allegations.  The case was closed, however, due to lack of circumstantial evidence, until last year when forensic anthropologists using radar technology discovered the presence of 19 additional bodies buried on the grounds.  This new evidence engendered a need to reopen the case, with a newly ignighted fervor.  A recent excavation at the Dozier School verified long held suspicions of shameful behavior.  The team determined that there are at least 50 graves surrounding the area from as far back as the 1940s or 1950s, many unmarked, which begs the question, what happened to these children?  And why was it so easy for them to disappear?  While there is confirmation of the flagrant affairs of the school, little is known at this point as to who these boys were or who is responsible.  Because of this, there is a very slight chance these victims will receive justice as there is a scarcity of witnesses.  At this point the main goal is to reunite the boys with their families.

The extent of what these children had to endure is sickening, and perhaps even more sickening is the fact that it was allowed to continue for over a century.  Victims have carried with them the weight of a tormented childhood and the thought that it took until 2008 to explore allegations that began in the early to mid 1900s is daunting.  The entire situation seems as though it tumbled out of a bad horror movie; suffering children being repeatedly abused and mistreated, crying out for a clearly oblivious savior.  While today's motivations to reunite these lost boys with their families is a beautiful thing, it in no way ameliorates the years of alleged abuse and murders of innocent children.  Furthermore, the fact that it is unlikely a suspect will ever be brought to justice only further shows the vile circumstances of the crime.  Despite all this negativity, there seems to be a flicker of hope at the thought of reuniting the boys with their families.  None of this information would have come to light without the forensic scientists, determined individuals and brave victims who tenaciously pursued this issue and  have made huge progress.  They have begun to uncover the secrets of a dark past and can take solace in the fact that the lost boys have been found and won't soon be forgotten.        

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/01/us/florida-boys-graves/index.html?hpt=ju_c1