Censorship Survey Results

Viewing survey response from Pinckneyville Corr. Ctr.

1. Have you ever had books or other materials blocked or confiscated? If so, which ones? Why? Tell us about it.
   "Yes. Books that were sent from a company on self help and rehabilitating yourself. Because the package had some red markings on it, they returned it to sender."
   
   
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?
   "No. "
   
   
3. Should the prisons have the power to control what you can and cannot read or see? If yes OR no, why?
   "Yes. Because its like freedom of speech to voice your opinion without being punished for expressing your feelings- its like the choice of books you enjoy reading or studying as a subject matter. Reading is fundamental, very educationally profund."
   
   
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?
   ". I believe they scan our books here but I havent had any issues with the facility copying any of my materials that I'm aware of."
   
   
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?
   "Yes. They allow hard cover and soft cover books, but they are really strict on anything that has anything sexual in its material."
   
   
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?
   "No. N/A"
   
   
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. It's very educational, fulfilling, it enlightens you on what's happening and educate you on new material. Yes, and I do read daily. It takes you places you've never been before."
   
   
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?
    "Yes. Legal law books need soft cover. Because I want to learn the law since I cannot afford to pay for an education in that field. So I can help myself and others in my situation."
    
    
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. I put in to go to the general library and never recieved a pass to go. And I dont get the materials I need because of that reason."
    
    
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?
    "No. "
    
    
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?
    "Yes. "
    
    
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. GTL provide reading materials on the tablet. It's just not like having a copy of the book in your hand."
    
    
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.