The 1968 Uprising at Red Wing's State Training School:

 

In the summer of 1968, an unprecedented incident at the State Training School (STS) in Red Wing shook the institution to its core, leaving an indelible mark on its history. This event was not an isolated occurrence but was intensified by the scorching heatwave and existing tensions among the juvenile residents.

The Initial Outbreak:

On August 21, a series of events began to unfold that would culminate in widespread unrest. Seventeen boys from Stanford cottage left without authorization, only to eventually return. However, the real chaos erupted at Duke, the recently established security cottage, where approximately 25 juveniles initiated a protest. This demonstration quickly escalated into violence, characterized by shattered windows, destroyed furniture, and juveniles fashioning weapons out of available materials.

The stifling heat inside Duke exacerbated the situation. One staffer equated the temperature to "200 degrees", suggesting that the environment played a role in the inmates' agitation. The decision to release the juveniles from the building to alleviate the situation backfired, leading to 12 of them escaping the campus. With the bedlam, the exact number of escapees became a point of contention, with estimates ranging wildly from 46 to 98.

The Way Steps In:

The Way, a community organization from Minneapolis, predominantly composed of African Americans, played a significant role during this tumultuous period. Having previously collaborated with STS, especially in returning runaways, they swiftly intervened during the disturbance.

Members of The Way were instrumental in pacifying the situation. They claimed a more profound and effective relationship with the STS residents than the institution's staff, emphasizing mutual respect over discipline. However, this assertion was met with skepticism, with some suggesting their methods, especially towards the African American juveniles, were too lenient and even detrimental.

The Aftermath:

The repercussions of the uprising were far-reaching. The Republican Eagle newspaper reported that, of the escapees, 17 remained at large and two were incarcerated. Additionally, the community of Red Wing was affected, with reports indicating stolen vehicles attributed to the escapees.

The rift between STS and The Way widened post-incident. While The Way's efforts during the revolt were recognized, many STS veterans felt the organization might have inadvertently agitated the juveniles, leading to the rebellion. Amidst this backdrop of mistrust and accusations, the state opted to end The Way's formal involvement with the STS program. Resignations and suspensions followed, underscoring the deep divisions and challenges that lay ahead.

In conclusion, the 1968 disturbance at STS was a multi-faceted event, intensified by environmental factors, inherent institutional challenges, and external interventions. It remains a significant episode, prompting introspection on the complexities of juvenile correctional institutions.