1. Why is extremism an issue in prisons? Extremist groups often
pose special security risks in prisons. They may encourage the
overthrow of the government, and prison officials can be
targeted as agents of "illegal" government authority. Further,
their literature often encourages ethnic hatred, promoting a
violent and racially charged prison atmosphere. Since the 1980s,
white supremacist organizations have spread throughout the
American prison system, beginning with the growth of Aryan
Brotherhood.1 Aryan Nations, although not permitting inmates to
become members, has engaged in "prison outreach" since 1979. In
1987, it began publishing a "prison outreach newsletter" called
The Way to facilitate recruitment. Aryan Nations also
disseminates its literature and letters to inmates. The World
Church of the Creator and some Identity Church groups engage in
similar outreach activity, as do other racist groups, such as
Nation of Islam. The situation is further complicated by the
fact that nonideological criminal pris