Tracking Prison Censorship in the United States

Told all grievances were lost by prison officials

Fred Britten, Warden
Tecumseh State Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 900
Tecumseh, NE 68450-0900

28 November 2010

Dear Warden Britten,

On 16 November 2010 your designee C. Tetem denied delivery of mail from MIM Distributors to Mr. XXX because allegedly "The mail contains threats of physical harm against a person, threats or plans of criminal activity, threats of blackmail or extortion, promotes gang activities, advocates or describes participation in illegal activities." This is a broad, sweeping claim to be made for 6 pages of information, with no specific example given as to where, if anywhere, this violation of Nebraska DOC policy exists.

The contents of this envelope included an invitation to our study groups, a guide to writing articles for the publication Under Lock & Key, and an article titled "We Want Peace! They Want Security." Is participating in a study group classified as "criminal activity" in Nebraska? Or is advocating that prisoners file grievances against torture, physical abuse, lack of medical care, censorship, etc, while explicitly discouraging prisoners from engaging in illegal activities classified as "criminal activity" in Nebraska? I don't think so.

I believe that the claim by C. Tetem is misplaced and incorrect. Therefore, I am requesting a reversal of the decision made by C. Tetem, and for this letter to be allowed at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. I have included all of the contents of the letter in question that was sent to Mr. XXX.

I appreciate your effort in investigating this matter and your timely response.

Sincerely,

MIM Distributors

CC: Affected parties