In the June Catalyst, we asked our members to write to the senior warden at the Texas Department of Corrections. Our complaint was that inmates at the TDCJ Stevenson Unit were denied requests for meatless meals on Fridays during Lent while dietary rules were observed for those who practice other religions.
We won. “Effective October 1, 2000,” the new directive says “all offenders will have the ability to choose a regular, meat-free or pork-free meal every day.”
Thanks to all those who wrote to complain. But just one thing: what’s this business about “meat-free or pork-free”? Since when isn’t pork meat? Or is it that the bureaucrats are so used to accommodating some religions that they don’t recognize what’s going on?
