Texas prisoners face new book ban after hundreds test positive for synthetic drugs

A new state policy that bans prison inmates from receiving hardback books and used books is aimed at curbing contraband that enters facilities, according to state officials. However, advocates and some inmates argue that this latest policy significantly expands the thousands of books already banned from prisoners.

“My concern is that they are restricting access to really, really important things, information, ideas to prisoners as a way to say they’re doing something,” said Laney Hawes, co-founder of Texas Freedom to Read Project.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is no longer accepting any donated books. Instead, donations are funneled through Windham School District, which provides educational services to prisoners. Furthermore, inmates can no longer receive hardback or used books sent directly to them unless they are first reviewed and distributed by the district. Book and criminal justice advocates claim this will result in fewer materials reaching inmates.

“Windham School District’s book donation process includes reviews of hardcover, softback, and used books,” district spokesperson Danielle Nicholes stated. “Windham reviews books for quality and suitability.”

The TDCJ implemented this policy in April after 385 books that entered prisons tested positive for synthetic drugs last year, including meth, fentanyl, marijuana, and PCP, which can be turned into liquid and sprayed on books to be sniffed.