The Latest: Ban on mass incarceration book lifted at 2 jails

TRENTON, N.J. – The Latest on a dispute over a book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination that was banned in at least two New Jersey prisons (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

New Jersey corrections officials say a best-selling book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination will now be available to inmates at all state correctional facilities.

The announcement came Monday after the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union questioned why at least two prisons had banned "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander. The group argued the ban amounted to unconstitutional censorship of speech on issues of public concern, which is entitled to special protection under the First Amendment.

Corrections officials noted there was no departmentwide ban on the book. They also say it's being used as a teaching tool in a state program in which inmates enroll in college-level courses while incarcerated.

Prisons and jails are allowed to ban reading materials based on some concerns, such as security.

____

11:20 a.m.

The American Civil Liberties Union wants New Jersey corrections officials to allow inmates to read a best-selling book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination.

The state chapter of the civil rights group sent a letter Monday asking why at least two prisons have banned "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander.

The ACLU calls the ban "ironic, misguided, and harmful." It says the ban amounts to unconstitutional censorship of speech on issues of public concern, which is entitled to special protection under the First Amendment.

A corrections department spokeswoman declined comment Monday and said a statement would be issued later in the day.

Prisons and jails are allowed to ban reading materials based on legitimate concerns such as security issues, but the ACLU contends officials can't claim that justification applies here.