Prison Book Programs and Content-Neutral Censorship

Michelle Dillon

doi:10.5860/jifp.v8i2.7926

Prison Book Programs and Content-Neutral Censorship

Michelle Dillon

Abstract

As prison censorship on the basis of the content of books commands more public attention, attention should also be given to policies restricting sources of books within prisons, also termed “content-neutral censorship.” Content-neutral censorship limits options for book access by people who are incarcerated, who already have few avenues for access due to suppressed autonomy and lack of disposable income. One of the most impacted categories of book providers has been prison book programs, which share a mission to provide free books to incarcerated individuals. In recent years, public outcry has successfully reversed content-neutral censorship and restored access to prison book programs. This commentary outlines these issues for readers and suggests a stronger call to action to identify and reverse content-neutral censorship in the future to sustain the irreplaceable benefits of prison book programs.

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5860/jifp.v8i2.7926

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