Tracking Prison Censorship in the United States

Warden Randy White
Kentucky State Penitentiary
266 Water St
Eddyville, KY 42038

February 2, 2013

RE: Censorship of 2 books on January 17, 2013 to XXX

Dear Warden White,

On January 4, 2013 two books were mailed from MIM Distributors to XXX at Kentucky State Penitentiary. The two books mailed were Marx, Engels, Marxism and Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism by V.I. Lenin. Both books were returned to MIM Distributors with a Notice of Rejected Mail. This Notice had number 15 marked "Other: Rejected 2 altered books (written in)." It is true that one of the books, Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism had markings in it, primarily underlining. However, Mars, Engels, Marxism did not contain any markings.

My primary interest in this instance of censorship is that "altered books" is not already listed as a reason for rejection. Is it actually a policy of Kentucky Department of Corrections to deny delivery of books which are written in, or is this a personal policy of Lt. Raymon Vinson? I am curious to read for myself where it is printed that written-in books are not allowed to be received in Kentucky State Penitentiary, not only for the sake of this book, but for any books MIM Distributors may send in the future.

Please send a copy of the mail rules for Kentucky State Penitentiary which states that written-in books are not allowed to be received at KSP, and any other mail rules you think would be helpful for a distributor of books and magazines to know. You can send this information to the address below.

Sincerely,