Six high-security inmates at the state prison staged a one-week protest in mid-February after the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC) prohibited them from receiving hip-hop magazines and some other periodicals.

Inmates were not given notice of the magazine ban imposed by Jake Gadsden, the DOC's new assistant director for institutions and operations, according to one of the inmates, Wayne Lee, and they didn't receive reimbursement. Prisoners are also upset, Lee says, because magazines that appeal to young black men, like Vibe and XXL, are now prohibited, while similar publications that are marketed more to white readers, like Rolling Stone and Playboy, are allowed. The newly banned magazines, however, also include Blender, a general interest music publication, and the Maxim-like FHM and Stuff, which are geared toward young men.

According to Lee, who also uses the name Ashanti, the list of banned magazines indicates "a bias against the popular culture of younger prisoners and people of color."

Prisoners learned of the ban, Lee says, when their cells at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston were searched for copies of the banned magazines. In response, the six, who live in the same cellblock, refused to eat prison meals or to leave their cells for exercise or showers. In an attempt to break the prisoners' solidarity, Lee says, he was transferred to a different block. When the protest continued, a second prisoner was moved, he adds. The protest then ended, although other prisoners were also reportedly angered by the magazine ban. "In of itself, it's not explosive enough to make guys want to riot," Lee says, "but guys are upset about it."

The DOC prohibits magazines that instruct readers on weapon use, bomb or drug manufacture, or are "contrary to the rehabilitative philosophy" of the prison, according to spokesman Albert Bucci. Magazines with content on gangs or smuggling contraband are also prohibited, he adds. The DOC doesn't single out magazines that appeal to minorities, Bucci says, but it does prohibit racially biased literature. In addition to the magazines cited by Lee, Bucci says, Spin, the tattooing magazine Skin Art, Arena, Hustler, Swank, Genesis, and some others are also banned.

Gadsden, who became assistant director in October, is currently reviewing all publications, Bucci notes, so newly banned publications may indicate his interpretation of long-standing prison policy. Prisoners who wonder whether a magazine is banned should talk with their counselor before subscribing, he says. Those who believe DOC's actions cost them part of the cost of a subscription, he concludes, may seek restitution through the prison's grievance procedure.

Lee, however, says the policy bans legitimate music magazines, and he has filed a lawsuit to overturn it with help from Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE).

Issue Date: March 1 - 7, 2002