Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, but Allows Hitler’s Mein Kampf

Re:Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, but Allows ... by kitanata on Tuesday June 20, 2023 @11:13PM (#36413932)

So, I hope they show up but a couple of folks I used to know in the tech community in Columbus would travel down to Marion State Penitentiary every month or so to teach programming to the inmates there. One guy they taught even got a job right out of prison, writing code as an intern. I’m certain he’s a senior or staff engineer now. Kenny, if you’re reading this speak up because folks need to hear your story and now is the time. Guy, and Will(?) too.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure like all these Java books was because of Will(?) trying to bring them in for this program.

They had to do some insane thing like photocopy individual pages or something to get around regulations. Apparently it is next to impossible to bring in any educational materials that can help inmates when they get out.

Need more developers? Train some inmates.

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Re:Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, but Allows ... by davideads_tmp on Wednesday June 21, 2023 @07:58AM (#36417327)

Hi there, I'm the editor of the piece. Me or someone on my team would like to chat with you if you're willing to talk about your experience and could give us some leads in finding a couple of those folks.

Drop me a line: deads AT themarshallproject.org

We have a bit of a rolodex of formerly incarcerated software engineers. One person talked with my team and said he needed prison to get sober, but he needed access to tech books to have a future afterwards.

I think about that a lot when I see all the programming books banned in different state prisons -- it's not just Ohio.

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Re:Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, but Allows ... by epiccoleman on Wednesday June 21, 2023 @09:21AM (#36418109)

The program was called Coding in the Clink, and if I remember right they even had a guest visit from Uncle Bob at some point.

The people involved with the program were some of the best devs I've worked with in Columbus.

A quick search for "Coding in the Clink" will turn up the names of many of those involved. Look for the name Dan, he'd be the guy I most strongly associate with CITC.

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Re:Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, but Allows ... by davideads_tmp on Wednesday June 21, 2023 @01:37PM (#36421739)

Thank you for this!

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