The last holiday card I received was decorated with red and black plaid and metallic gold trim. The gilded words “Merry Christmas” appeared across the center. Inside was my mom’s loopy cursive. She signed it with the names of my family members, like she always does.
Two months after I received the card, on Feb. 1, 2025, Oregon’s state prison system changed the rules for incoming mail. Non-white envelopes and cardstock would no longer be accepted. The rule effectively ended colorful and cheerful holiday cards for incarcerated people.
A memo from administration posted on our unit bulletin boards said, in part: “The mail rule has been revised to address concerns regarding safety, security and the well-being of both adults in custody and staff.”
In other words, the mail rule change aims to prevent drugs from entering our facility.
|
