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New York Prisons Settle Lawsuit, Allowing Pulitzer-Winning History Book into Facilities
New York state prisons have reached a settlement with the state corrections department, allowing incarcerated men and women to have access to the Pulitzer Prize-winning book that details the history of the Attica uprising in 1971.
Author Fights Ban on Her Book in New York Prisons
Heather Thompson, the author of “Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising and Its Legacy,” filed a lawsuit against the state last year after her book was banned in New York prisons. Thompson’s book is recognized as the authoritative history of the deadliest prison riot in American history.
The Tragic Events at Attica Correctional Facility
During the 1971 uprising at the Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County, 43 lives were lost, including 29 inmates and 10 prison employee hostages, when police forcefully entered the prison.
Partial Agreement Made Prior to the Settlement
In an earlier agreement, the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) agreed to allow the book into prisons with the exception of two pages. This month, the court approved the settlement, ensuring that DOCCS cannot reverse their decision, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).
Terms of the Settlement
According to the NYCLU news release, the settlement requires DOCCS to stop preventing incarcerated individuals from receiving the book. Each DOCCS facility’s general library is now required to maintain two copies of the book. A “Notice of Settlement” must also be posted in every library facility, among other obligations. Although the book’s historical illustration of Attica will still be removed, the names of individuals who were killed or wounded in the uprising will be included in a cut-out.
Listing the Victims
The list of individuals who were killed or wounded in the uprising will be located on the backside of a page featuring a prison illustration.
No Admission of Wrongdoing
The state has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
