I am not really sure what is entitled to us by the First Amendment, but I thought we were guaranteed the right to view any text that was published and made public. I recently stumbleled across an article on the USA Today website entitled “Inmates Sue Over Clearing of Religious Books From Libraries”. In the wake of September 11th almost all religious text, especially Islamic was taken off the shelves of libraries in prisons. “’The presence of extremist chaplains, contractors or volunteers in the BOP’s correctional facilities can pose a threat to institutional security and could implicate national security if inmates are encouraged to commit terrorist acts against the United States.’ the bureau’s report said.” It seems to me that these people may be violent or criminals, but they certainly are not necessarily stupid. Just as many free citizens fall under radical ideas everyday. I would think that if I were in prison, it would be the time that I would need religion the most. I am not a particularly religious person, but I can see how faith in something could help turn someone around or even just help them to hang on. Regardless of the reasons or concerns it is the inmates’ constitutional right to view any religious text available.
This is very intresting erin. I believe prisoners will not be affected drastically by religouis books.