Portland Prison Volunteer Barred After Alleging Guard Used Racial Slur

Going Home II program suspended as Oregon Department of Corrections investigates complaint against lieutenant.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:59pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up of a pair of metal handcuffs against a completely black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey a sense of the harsh realities of the criminal justice system.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the tools of incarceration highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within Oregon's prison system.Portland Today

Michael Fesser, a longtime Black volunteer who leads the Going Home II reentry sessions at Columbia River Correctional Institution, has been barred from the prison after he says a corrections lieutenant directed a racial slur at him during a recent meeting. The Oregon Department of Corrections has halted the program while it reviews the complaint.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over oversight, accountability, and racial issues within Oregon's prison system. The Going Home II program provides rare reentry support for incarcerated individuals, so its suspension could impact those preparing to leave custody.

The details

According to Fesser, Lt. Jack Rowlett used a racial slur when addressing him in a meeting, and three men who were present support his account. Rowlett and a union representative deny the incident occurred. The department has opened an investigation, and Fesser's access to the facility has been restricted while officials review his complaint. An internal memo informed staff that Fesser is not authorized to provide any services or access the facility during the investigation, and prison officials notified volunteers that Going Home II classes would be suspended.

  • The alleged incident occurred during a recent meeting at the prison.
  • Fesser has led the Going Home II program at Columbia River since around 2006.

The players

Michael Fesser

A longtime Black volunteer who leads the Going Home II reentry sessions at Columbia River Correctional Institution.

Lt. Jack Rowlett

A corrections lieutenant at Columbia River Correctional Institution who is accused of using a racial slur against Fesser.

Jaime Zuniga

The superintendent at Columbia River Correctional Institution who informed staff that Fesser is not authorized to provide any services or access the facility during the investigation.

Amber Campbell

A spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Corrections who confirmed the Going Home II program is on pause while the department reviews the complaint.

Oregon Department of Corrections

The state agency that oversees the Columbia River Correctional Institution and is investigating the complaint against Lt. Rowlett.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The department says its review is continuing and it has not set a date for restarting the Going Home II program. Supporters say they will keep pushing for a more extensive inquiry, and legal advocates argue the case highlights persistent tensions over oversight and race inside Oregon's prisons.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges around accountability, transparency, and racial equity within the criminal justice system, particularly in the context of prison programs and volunteer work aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals during their reentry process.