I have not heard from you in a couple of months [letters were sent to him]. I have no evidence of mail censorship, however I have noticed a delay. I'm beginning to believe that this may be in connection with the fact that I, along with a few other prisoners were placed in ad-seg for "participation in a work strike." The evidence did not substantiate the charge and subsequently we were released days later. Found guilty of merely "disobeying a direct order." Our jobs were taken, and "privilege" status lowered. It is, or was, rare that this punishment be used for such a petty offense, but not surprising, here at Centinela State Prison which seems to operate by its own rules.
As I write you this letter I find myself placed on lockdown status not because of anything I did or those that I affiliate with did, but because CSP's policy is to lockdown individuals based on race and not affiliation. Which is in clear violation of the law passed recently which states CDC shall not racially segregate prisoners. In my particular situation, CDC has me classified as "other' (a politically incorrect term), housed with a Hispanic (at my own request). Yet when lockdowns occur I am punished for being in an integrated cell. For example: Hispanics go on lockdown then so do I, "others" go on lockdown then so do I! This is racial discrimination at its finest brought to you by CSP.
- a California prisoner, October 2005