Censorship Survey Results

Viewing survey response from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, IN

1. Have you ever had books or other materials blocked or confiscated? If so, which ones? Why? Tell us about it.
   "Yes. I had books from Midwest taken. I've filed complaints on it I've got to show. Why? Theres no truth in these people, but I feel because it's me and comen from Chicago. They claim your brothers and sisters are sending me comic books with nudity and othr types of propaganda."
   
   
2. Have you ever been punished for reading material that was sent to you? If yes, what were the materials and what was the punishment?
   "N/A. I've been told I would be for a women's group. I love women and would try to impower them as was told to stop. I am a straight man who loves strong women. The IDOC felt that was an issue."
   
   
3. Should the prisons have the power to control what you can and cannot read or see? If yes OR no, why?
   "No. I'm not a child. I did not shisho plea bargain or agree to any rules of confinment. They won't let me work or be part of anything. And as you well know they try and keep my books from me."
   
   
4. Are you in a facility that scans incoming mail? Does the mailroom copy or scan newsletters and other printed reading materials? Does the facility's scanning policy affect your ability to read books and literature?
   "Yes. They do scan our mail. but we get our newsletters and no, it does not affect my reading."
   
   
5. In your present facility or any previous ones, did you receive a clear explanation of the facilities censorship policy? If yes, is it applied consistently or fairly? If no, what is it they tell you when something gets blocked?
   "No. Nothing in the IDOC is consistent or fair. Everything say is bullshit."
   
   
6. Have you ever filed a grievance against your materials being blocked by the mailroom or getting confiscated? Were you successful? What was the explanation for blocking the material?
   "Yes. I have many times. I got me nowhere. As of now, they're at Wabash, you can not get through the grievance process if it lasts. It's always bullshit, many times I'll get my books with the receipt and have to ask where my books are. They will deny ever getting them. They also send stuff back to publishers."
   
   
7. Why do you think prisons censor what materials you can get? What's their game?
   
   
8. Is reading important to you? If yes, how so? As a way to pass time? As self-improvement? Education? Do you read daily?
   "Yes. I read everything for education, pass time. My pictures are what's most important to me in here. My library is 2nd. Over the past 15 years, they have taken 100's of books from my cell and the mailroom."
   
   
9. What do you like to read? Wha books or magazines are in your locker or on your shelf right now? How do you get books - from family? Friends? Books to prisoner projects, etc?
   
   
10. Are there things you want to read right now that are blocked? If so, what are they and why do you want them?
    "N/A. I just want what they've taken, what belongs to me, they took for no reason."
    
    
11. Are you able to organize an authorized book club or reading group in your present facility?
    
    
12. Have you ever participated in a book club or group?
    
    
13. Have you ever been prohibited from informally discussing books as a group?
    
    
14. Do you have access to a law library? If so, are passes or ducats to the library readily available or tough to get? Do you receive the materials you need? Are there any restrictions you face, or barriers to accessing materials?
    "Yes. We can go once a week, I can get what I need. Readily available - NO!."
    
    
15. How do you feel about the quality of the books made available in your facility's law library? Do you have access to printing or a copy machine? Is there a computer? What do you wish you had access to or available in a law library?
    
    
16. Has access to the law library at your present facility changed following the pandemic? If yes, how?
    "N/A. I've not been here long, so I really can't say."
    
    
17. Does the facility allow you to bring books and other literature to the yard?
    
    
18. Are you allowed to share books or literature? Comments on sharing?
    "No. They don't allow it, but you know how we get down."
    
    
19. Do you use a tablet? If so, how do you feel about the options for reading material available on it? What companies provide services on it? What services do they offer?
    "Yes. It's trash. All old British shit. Company is GTL."
    
    
20. Has your outgoing mail ever been censored?
    
    
21. If you are a writer or artist, have restrictions on outgoing mail ever made it difficult to publish or self-publish your writing or creative works?
    
    
22. Lastly, is there anything you think we on the outside or the general public need to know about censorship, reading, books, education, or your life inside? Feel free to write as much as you want. We will read and value every word.