Dinesh D'Souza Links Progressive "Freedom" to Asylum Closures and Societal Ills

Conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza recently ignited debate on social media by connecting progressive ideals of "freedom" and "civil rights" directly to the historical closure of mental health asylums, asserting it led to an increase in "lunatics and addicts roam[ing] the streets." The statement, shared on November 27, 2025, draws a controversial parallel between modern progressive policies and the outcomes of the mid-20th century deinstitutionalization movement.

The movement to close large state mental hospitals, known as deinstitutionalization, began in the 1950s and gained significant momentum through the 1960s and 70s. This shift was driven by several factors, including widespread criticism of inhumane conditions within asylums, the introduction of psychotropic medications, and a growing emphasis on civil rights and the "least restrictive setting" for individuals with mental illness. Landmark legal decisions, such as the 1975 Supreme Court ruling in O'Connor v. Donaldson, affirmed that individuals could not be confined against their will unless they posed a danger to themselves or others.

While proponents argued for community-based care to offer more humane and effective treatment, the implementation faced substantial challenges. Many states failed to adequately fund and develop comprehensive community mental health services, leading to a significant gap in support for discharged patients. This lack of robust community infrastructure is widely cited as a contributing factor to increased homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse among individuals with severe mental illnesses.

D'Souza's tweet, stating, > "This is what the progressives call 'freedom' and 'civil rights.' That was the rationale for opening up the asylums and letting all the lunatics and addicts roam the streets," highlights a persistent critique of the deinstitutionalization era. Critics often argue that while the intentions may have been rooted in civil liberties, the practical outcomes were detrimental due to insufficient planning and resource allocation for community integration. The World Health Organization continues to advocate for a transition from long-stay institutions to community-based care, emphasizing the need for careful planning, adequate funding, and robust support networks to ensure successful integration and uphold human rights.