Censorship Survey Results

Viewing survey response from WI Stanley Correctional

1. Have you ever had books or other materials blocked or confiscated? If so, which ones? Why? Tell us about it.
   "Yes. Mainly under the rational the books were used beyond the criteria for being shopworn. This criteria is often used as an umbrella for books they do not want us to have."
   
   
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. No, the DOC just takes the item or does not allow the item in your possession."
   
   
3. Should the prisons have the power to control what you can and cannot read or see? If yes OR no, why?
   ". I struggle with materials which deal with suicide and other subjects which teach harm to oneself or others."
   
   
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. Yes. Legal mail from the courts and attorneys, books, magazines, publications are all allowed to come directly to the institution."
   
   
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. Yes, but the policy is so subjective that it can be used to deny anything."
   
   
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. They are met with denials and the response of 'take us to court', knowing the court costs of $500, which is not refundable even if you win disuades any type of challenge. Again any general reason can be offered in which to deny a book which should be allowed."
   
   
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. Yes to all: as a jailhouse lawyer I read a great deal to remain informed. The challenge is library is closed often due to staff shortage and the material is dated and has minimum value other than entertainment."
   
   
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. I find alternative materials and means to read blocked items. Where there is a will, there is a way."
    
    
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. This is a real challenge. yes you have access, but it is a matter of luck and availiability. The situation raises the issue of constitutionality."
    
    
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?
    "Yes. Staff shortage, limited access to the general and law library, no movement."
    
    
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. No, but you can donate materials to the library if they are allowed and you can actually get there."
    
    
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. Keefe SCORE: books on the tablet are severely dated and the subjects are often useless or do not apply to most."
    
    
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.