Tracking Prison Censorship in the United States

To whom it may concern:

On 3-29-22 I was given a "lay in" pass to go to mailroom for "MAIL/DENIAL." When I arrived at mailroom I spoke to a very nice lady who provided a from to sign and advised me that my mail from "Tx Team One" & "Under Lock & Key" were "under review." Please be informed that the Maoist Internationalist is a well-established legitimate organization and Under Lock & Key is a publication that is provided to many prisoners who are caged up in many facilities across the country. I've never experienced any problem whatsoever receiving political education material, including Under Lock & Key, so as you can imagine I'm a bit baffled by this "review" and somewhat alarmed by what seems to be censorship of political speech -- after all, as far as I know we are still covered by the First Amendment.

Even more alarming to me is how neo-Nazi, white supremacist scumbags are allowed to receive material promoting fascism and hate, but a publication like Under Lock & Key, which promotes human rights and social justice and progressive politics is being targeted for censorship.

Please provide a written response to this "attempt at informal resolution" for the record, along with -- if publication is rejected -- a "written notice of disapproval" and "statement of the reason for disapproval within three business days of receipt of the publication or MSCP denial date on Publication Denial Form, along with procedures for appeal." Also, per TDCJ policy, please provide a "sufficiently detailed description" of material to permit "effective use of the appeal procedures."

Thank you, may goodness bless you.

Publications are reviewed by MSCP, Huntsville not at unit level. When we receive an answer you will be notified.

Title of Publication: "Tx. Team One"
REMARKS: "Reason C. Page(s) 4 contains information advocating prison disruption."

Director’s Review Committee
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099

23 May 2022

To the Committee,

This letter is regarding a “Publication Review Notification” received from your office dated 5/12/2022. The title of publication given was “Tx. Team One” and the remarks were, “Reason C. Page(s) 4 contains information advocating prison disruption.”

No information was given as to who the mail in question was sent to, on what date or what facility. We are assuming it is in response to mail sent to XXXXXX XXXXXX, at Stevenson Unit on 18 March 2022. Mr. Vela notified us of the censorship back in March, but this is the first time we have heard from your department about it. Why were we not notified of the original review and given an opportunity to file an appeal ourselves?

The notification from your office provided justification for censorship of the TX Team One Primer sent on that date. However, it was mailed with a copy of Under Lock & Key 76 (Winter 2022). Will that be delivered to Mr. Vela since there has been no justification given for censoring that publication?

I am requesting a response to my 2 question above.

Sincerely,