you had me until “they’ve been taught to think it’s okay from birth.”

what a weird, broad generalization.

My guy, it simply isn’t slavery. These inmates are entirely free to just not do this type of work.

Yes, there is actual slavery in US prisons. There is mandatory labor. It’s fucked up.

That said, unless I’ve missed something critical, this is not one of those situations. They had to choose to apply to the firefighting position.