Willowbrook state school was established in 1947 as a school for the, “mentally and physically defective and feeble minded” according to NY State governor at the time, Thomas Dewey. This school became the largest institution in the US yet gave way to the most deplorable living conditions. The students were left naked, sitting in their own feces and urine, abused and neglected. This real American horror story gave way to the FX Network series, American Horror Story, Asylum. This state school, once uncovered for its atrocities, became the College of Staten Island located in one of the 5 boroughs of NY City. Despite its beautiful sprawling campus, tunnels still lurk underneath this campus where gurneys, sheets and wall shackles still remain. This episode, although creepy, sheds light on how the mentally ill and disabled were treated then. Although we have come a long way, there still needs to be tremendous change in how the mentally ill and disabled are treated today. If you or a loved one suffers from mental illness or a physical disability and you are unsure of resources or their rights, please visit www.usa.gov/disability-rights for more information.

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