Tracking Prison Censorship in the United States

May 15, 2018

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Office of Policy, Grants and Legislative Affairs
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Under Lock & Key Issue March/April 2018 Issue 61
SCI Pine Grove

To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of your April 19, 2018 notification of censorship (hereinafter, “Notice”) related to the above referenced issue of Under Lock & Key (hereinafter, “ULK”).

The Notice states the objectionable content relates to “bondage of little girl” on page four of ULK. A review of page four is clear that no graphical depiction exists in any form. Page four does reference an article by Family Fun magazine’s May 2017 issue as containing an advertisement “show[ing] a boy duck-taping a prepubescent girl to a garage wall.” This is the only reference and it is based on publication in a magazine which was not censored by PADOC. This reference is related to discussion and news reporting that is both meaningful and noteworthy. It is not in violation of any PADOC policy or standard. As such censorship based on this factor is unconstitutional and subject the PADOC to legal action.

The Notice states the objectionable content also relates to “depicts female officers in negative manner” on page nine of ULK. The editorial context is clear that the publication takes a strong stand that women “should not be subject to sexual harassment.” A writer’s negative view of prison staff is not a valid reason for censorship. Content which is unpopular or repugnant does not allow for censorship. Thornburgh v. Abbotti, 490 U.S. 401, 404-05, 414-19 (1989).

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

Please govern yourselves accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

May 15, 2018

Indiana Department of Corrections
Office of the Director
302 West Washington St E334
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Under Lock & Key March/April 2018 Issue 61


To Whom It May Concern:

We have been notified the above referenced issue of Under Lock & Key (ULK) has been censored by the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC). The notice was received from a prisoner and no notice has been received from IDOC. Mr. XXXXXX has indicated the issue of ULK was censored based on inmate to inmate correspondence. IDOC policy 02-01-103 (V) is clear on its face that the publication does not constitute offender to offender correspondence.

Federal case law is clear, the publisher must be notified by prison authorities of any censorship of publications and must be given a meaningful to appeal the censorship. It is clear IDOC policy 02-01-103 provides no such option and is unconstitutional on its face.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

We require the IDOC to provide notice of censorship, with reference to the specific content which is allegedly objectionable within fifteen (15) days of this letter. Failure to do so may result in litigation against the IDOC.

In the alternative, the decision to censor the issue referenced above may be vacated and delivered to the prisoner to whom it was addressed.

Please govern yourself accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

May 15, 2018

Illinois Department of Corrections
Office of the Director
PO Box 19277
Springfield, IL 62794-9277

Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Under Lock & Key March/April 2018 Issue 61


To Whom It May Concern: EDIT

We are in receipt of a Censorship Notice (notice) for the above referenced issue of Under Lock & Key (ULK). The notice states that the publication was rejected because it disrupts order, promotes organization and leadership. There are two sections checked alleging various allegations as to the publications objectionable content. However, there are no references to page numbers of the alleged objectionable content or the specific content which is objectionable. It is unclear what content is alleged to be objectionable.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

Further, the notice without page references does not meet the scrutiny required by the Constitution and a more definite statement of the objectionable content is required.

It is apparent from the face of recent censorship notices, the language used to justify the censorship is boilerplate. As such, the provides direct evidence of a blanket ban of all ULK publications in direct violation of our Constitutional rights and contrary to well-established federal case law.

We require the decision to censor the issue referenced above be vacated and delivered to the prisoners to which it was addressed.

Please govern yourself accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of a Notice of Incoming Publication Denial relating to prisoner notification of censorship (hereinafter, “Notice”) related to an unknown issue of Under Lock & Key (hereinafter, “ULK”).

The issue referenced of ULK was censored alleging the material was in violation of PADOC DC-ADM 803. The Notice provides no articulable reasons for or specific references to objectionable content. The boilerplate language of “advocates & promotes prison solidarity” without specific references to objectionable content does not pass constitutional muster. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections repeated failure to adhere to internal DOC policy and well-established federal case law requires that we consider additional legal action to preserve our rights.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

The censorship notice received provides no specific information upon which an appeal may be based. Further review by your agency will likely show that no objectionable content exists in the ULK issue referenced above and therefore we require the publication be delivered to Mr. XXXXXX forthwith. We also require notification that such action has been taken.


Please govern yourselves accordingly.

April 29, 2018

Pennsylvania DOC
Office of Policy, Grants and Legislative Affairs
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Under Lock & Key Issue January/February 2018


To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of your April 17, 2018 letter in reference to notification of censorship (hereinafter, “Notice”) related to an unknown issue of Under Lock & Key (hereinafter, “ULK”).

The letter, as did the original notification, provides no specific references to objectionable content. The boilerplate language of “advocates & promotes prison solidarity” without specific references to objectionable content does not pass constitutional muster. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections repeated failure to adhere to internal DOC policy and well-established federal case law requires that we consider additional legal action to preserve our rights.

Once again, we will provide the relevant federal case law relating to such notice. Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

The letter and censorship notice received provides no specific information upon which an appeal may be based. You must immediately provide specific references to the alleged objectionable content. Failure to do so may result in litigation to enforce our constitutional rights which may result in the award of attorney fees and damages.

Based on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ failure to provide the requested, and legally required information, this letter also serves as notice to secure and maintain all correspondence, memoranda, emails, reports, or any other documentation in relation to this matter for the purpose of litigation. It is our well-founded belief such information is discoverable under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Failure to place such a litigation hold on this material may have adverse legal consequences in any future litigation related to this matter.

We have repeatedly asked for this information to no avail. Such failure, after a clear request, is prima facie evidence of a deliberate and willful violation of our rights.

Please govern yourselves accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

PGS2 free political books for prisoners (8) MIM prisons responds (Amerikkan)
PGS 15 New River Work Camp (15-16) Pontiac Correctional Center talking about hunger strikes also promotes unauthorized protests
PGS 20 What is the Prison Movement
PGS; Under Lock & Key March/April 2018 No 61

April 16, 2018

Florida Department of Corrections
Office of the Secretary
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500

Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Introductory Study Group Invitation (December 2017)


To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of a Rejection Notice (notice) for the above referenced issue of Introductory Study Group Invitation (hereinafter, “Invitation”) addressed to the above referenced prisoner. The notice states that the publication is being rejected because it “[c]ontains prominent or prevalent advertising for three-way calling services, pen pal services, or the purchase of products or services with postage stamps.” The censorship form on its face is clear that no violation of prison policy has occurred, and the censorship is without merit. The Invitation contains no advertisements and make one reference to supporting the study guide by make a voluntary payment of $10. The Invitation further states “If your facility rules allow you to send stamps…” (emphasis added). No demand is made for payment, in fact the next paragraph provides information to receive the study materials without payment.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

The “stamp program” referenced includes the following language in its entirety on page 1 of the Invitation:

“We work to make our study groups as self-sufficient as possible. To do this we are asking you to pay for the materials that we will be reading. The minimum cost of this two level intro study course is $10 for the reading and postage. If your facility rules allow you to send stamps, that is best. If you can only send a check or money order, let us know and we will send you further instructions for how to do that.

If you cannot afford to pay by money or stamps, we certainly won’t leave you out...”

F.A.C. 33-501.401 (l) states (emphasis added):

(l) It contains an advertisement promoting any of the following where the advertisement is the focus of, rather than being incidental to, the publication or the advertising is prominent or prevalent throughout the publication.
1. Three-way calling services;
2. Pen pal services;
3. The purchase of products or services with postage stamps; or
4. Conducting a business or profession while incarcerated.
(m) It otherwise presents a threat to the security, order or rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system or the safety of any person.

Further, the F.A.C. cited requires the advertisement to be the focus of the publication and/or prominent or prevalent throughout the publication. Clearly it is neither the focus of nor prevalent. It also is not a prominent feature of the publication as it is on page 1 in normal font within the body of a paragraph.

It is clear the censorship based on a “stamp program” is arbitrary and capricious. It is also a clear misapplication of the Florida Administrative Code on its face.

The censorship of the Invitation, based on the reasons set forth in the Notice, constitute a clear violation of our Constitutional rights. These reasons are clearly not applicable under any reasoned interpretation of the Code and cannot have been made in a good faith reliance on any such application.

I also bring to your attention a recent decision by the FLDOC which clearly indicates such a statement is not a violation of the “stamp policy” and reversed a previous censorship decision as noted in a letter dated February 26, 2018. It is clear the person reviewing the Invitation does not have sufficient training or knowledge of the FLDOC policies. This letter serves to again put you on notice of such violations by FLDOC employees. A failure to address such employee malfeasance may subject you to any and all legal remedies at our disposal.

As such, we object to the censorship on the grounds it does not violate FLDOC policy. We demand the Invitation be delivered forthwith to the prisoner to whom it was addressed.

Please govern yourself accordingly.


Sincerely,

MIM Distributors

January 16, 2018

Kansas Department of Corrections
Office of the Secretary
714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603


Re: Failure to Deliver Publications


To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of information that the Hutchinson Correctional Facility is failing to deliver to the addressee or provide notice of censorship of at least eight (8) publications mailed from October 2017 through December 2017. As the distributor of these publications, we have also not received notice of censorship.

Failure to deliver the properly posted and addressed publications or provide requisite notice of censorship violates Kansas Administrative Regulations, federal Postal laws and our Constitutional rights. This letter serves as our notice of the Kansas Department of Corrections as to direct and ongoing violations regarding these failures to deliver or provide notice of censorship for publications mailed to the facility.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

Until such time as the Kansas Department of Corrections provides the constitutionally mandated information to provide adequate notice of the specific reasons for censorship or delivers the publications to the addressees, a violation of our constitutional rights under the First Amendment will continue.

Please govern yourself accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

Withheld 6.9 ounces of printed material, content focuses on organizing communist revolution/Asst. stapled topics promote unrest. Note: A book and 3 other publications sent to the pro/for review and her decision. IMPP 12-134. All items received, in the same envelop.

February 18, 2018

Kansas Department of Corrections
Mr. Doug Burris
Correctional Manager
Office of the Secretary
714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603


Re: Failure to Deliver Publications


Mr. Burris:

Thank you for your recent reply to our concerns about censorship at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility without notice being provided to us as the publisher and distributor of the publications.

The publications in questions were addressed to XXX

The following is a list of publications with mailing dates sent to Mr. X.

12/12/2017 Organization Means Commitment essay

12/12/2017 Organizational Structure study pack

12/12/2017 The New Indians

12/12/2017 Liberation or Gangsterism: Freedom or Slavery Pt. I & II

12/12/2017 Let's "Gang-Up" On Oppression: Youth Organizations and the
Struggle for Power in Oppressed Communities

12/12/2017 Who Is Lumpen in the United $tates?  pamphlet

12/11/2017 Under Lock & Key 59 (Nov 2017)

10/09/2017 Under Lock & Key 58 (Sept 2017)

Please provide information as to the status of each of these publications. If any of these publications have been subject to censorship, please provide adequate notice so that we may formulate an appeal.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors

To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of a Censorship Notice (notice) for the above referenced issue of Under Lock & Key (ULK). The notice states that the publication was rejected because “the content of this newsletter poses a threat to the safety and security of correctional facilities. Articles about drug trade throughout.” However, there is no reference to page numbers of the alleged objectionable content or the specific content which is objectionable. It is unclear what content is alleged to be objectionable.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

Further, the notice without page references does not meet the scrutiny required by the Constitution and a more definite statement of the objectionable content is required.

We require the decision to censor the issue referenced above be vacated and delivered to the prisoners to which it was addressed.

Please govern yourself accordingly.

MIM Distributors
PO Box 40799
San Francisco, CA 94140


April 16, 2018

Kansas Department of Corrections
Office of the Secretary
714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603


Re: Appeal of Censorship of Publication
Under Lock & Key September/October 2017 Issue 59
Under Lock & Key November/December 2017 Issue 59
Who is Lumpen?
Loose Printed Material – Study Packet


To Whom It May Concern:

We are in receipt of a Censorship Notice (notice) for the above referenced issues of Under Lock & Key (ULK. The notice states that ULK 59 was rejected because “the content of this newsletter poses a threat to the safety and security of correctional facilities. Articles about drug trade throughout.” However, there is no reference to page numbers of the alleged objectionable content or the specific content which is objectionable. It is unclear what content is alleged to be objectionable. There are no references to specific content for any of the remaining publications and loose material which was censored.

Failure to deliver the properly posted and addressed publications or provide requisite notice of censorship violates Kansas Admisntrative Regulations, federal Postal laws and our Constitutional rights. This letter serves as our notice of the Kansas Department of Corrections as to direct and ongoing violations regarding these failures to deliver or provide notice of censorship for publications mailed to the facility.

Due process requires adequate notice of the reasons for censorship. Instructive is the District Court’s reasoning set forth in Prison Legal News v. Jones, “Procunier demands that the publisher "be given a reasonable opportunity to protest" the censorship. Id. at 418. For an opportunity to be reasonable, the publisher must know of the grounds upon which the publication has been censored. See Henry J. Friendly, "Some Kind of Hearing", 123 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1267, 1280 (1975) (explaining that it is "fundamental" to due process that "notice be given . . . that . . . clearly inform[s] the individual of the proposed action and the grounds for it"). This knowledge component of due process does not turn on whether the publication is the first copy or a subsequent copy. What matters is the basis for censorship. If a subsequent impoundment decision is based on a different reason not previously shared with [the publisher or distributor], due process requires that [the publisher or distributor] be told of this new reason.” 126 F. Supp. 3d 1233, 1258 (N.D. Fla. 2015).

Until such time as the Kansas Department of Corrections provides the constitutionally mandated information to provide adequate notice of the specific reasons for censorship and references the exact content which is objectionable or delivers the publications to the addressees, a violation of our constitutional rights under the First Amendment will continue.

Please govern yourself accordingly.


Sincerely,


MIM Distributors