A non-profit agency made an appeal to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reverse it decision and allow access to the works of a formerly incarcerated person.

The American Civil Liberties Union is displeased with CDCR’s banning of Dorsey Nunn’s memoir, “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly.” 

Nunn spent more than nine years at San Quentin as a young adult, and after his release he dedicated his time as community organizer, advocating for positive growth and development, according to the ACLU.

“In short, ‘What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly’ is precisely the type of reflective and empowering literature that should be available to people in California’s prisons,” ACLU stated. 

Nunn’s memoir depicts his successful transition back into society, which may illuminate a pathway of rehabilitation for those serving time.

The non-profit noted that when the department is determining allowable literature, Black authors are disproportionately prohibited. 

In the book Nunn emotionally describes his life experiences, reflecting on personal accountability, transformation, and the rebuilding of his life.

In February 2026 the ACLU said it sent a letter to CDCR encouraging the department to lift the ban from its prohibited list of publications. The non-profit organization noted that there are state laws requiring transparency regarding the records of its evaluated books. 

The organization has aspirations that CDCR will reconsider its decision and allow incarcerated people in California access to Nunn’s book.

“Allowing access to this book (What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly) would be consistent with California’s commitment to rehabilitation, education, and the dignity of those in its custody,” the ACLU stated.