Effective Date: July 2, 2025
Last Updated: July 2, 2025
1. Agreement to Terms
Welcome to PrisonProfessors.org (the “Site”), operated by Prison Professors Charitable Corp. ("we," "us," or "our"), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
2. Mission & Purpose
PrisonProfessors.org is a free platform where justice-impacted individuals publish journal entries, book reports, release plans, and more to demonstrate readiness for reintegration. Our mission is to connect these profiles with employers and community members.
3. User Registration & Consent
You must be at least 18 years old to register.
Web users: click a mandatory checkbox to agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy before creating/updating a profile.
Incarcerated users: reply via Corrlinks with the prescribed agreement statement and signature. We record the date and version of the Terms agreed to.
4. Guidelines for Publishing User-Generated Content (Writings, Stories, and Submissions)
To maintain a supportive community focused on personal growth, rehabilitation, and positive storytelling, all user-generated content (including writings, essays, and personal narratives) must adhere to the following requirements. These guidelines align with our commitment to privacy (as outlined in our Privacy Policy) and prohibition of defamatory or invasive content (as stated in our Terms of Service). Content that violates these standards will be subject to review and may be declined or not published.
- Agreement to UGC Terms and Age Restriction: Any individual submitting or posting content on behalf of themselves or another (e.g., an incarcerated user) must first explicitly agree to our User-Generated Content (UGC) terms and conditions, as detailed in the Terms of Service. This includes confirming that they are at least 18 years old. Submissions from or facilitated by minors will be automatically declined to prevent unauthorized access, privacy risks, or legal issues. For example, incarcerated users must not enlist minors (such as family members) to post content.
- Prohibition on Negative or Harmful Content: Users must not submit content that includes negative, derogatory, or harmful statements about individuals, groups, or entities. This includes, but is not limited to, hate speech, threats, harassment, or any material that could reasonably cause emotional distress, reputational harm, or legal issues for others.
- Protection of Personal Information: Content must not disclose or reference personal, sensitive, or identifying information about third parties (e.g., family members, friends, colleagues, or other individuals) without their explicit, verifiable consent. Examples include names, contact details, locations, medical history, or private events. Submissions that could inadvertently affect others' privacy or safety will be rejected.
- Required Review Process: All submissions will undergo a mandatory pre-publishing review by our moderation team. Content that does not meet these criteria will be declined and not published. Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination, in line with our Terms of Service. Users are encouraged to focus on inspirational, educational themes that align with our mission of prison reform and personal development.
- Disclaimer & No Endorsement: All profile content is authored by users. We do not pre-screen or endorse any submissions; content is displayed “as is,” and we assume no liability for its accuracy.
- License Grant: You grant us a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, display, and distribute your content for mission-related purposes.
- Prohibited Content: No unlawful, defamatory, harassing, hateful, pornographic, infringing, or commercial solicitation content.
Takedown Procedure: Report violations to Abuse@PrisonProfessors.org. We will acknowledge within 24 hours and resolve valid complaints within 48 hours.
5. Guidelines for Submitting and Publishing Testimonials
Testimonials are a valuable way for users to share experiences and feedback about our platform, programs, or community members. However, to ensure they contribute positively and respect privacy (per our Privacy Policy) and community standards (per our Terms of Service), all testimonials must meet the following requirements. We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove submissions that do not comply.
- Agreement to UGC Terms and Age Restriction: Any individual submitting or posting a testimonial on behalf of themselves or another (e.g., an incarcerated user) must first explicitly agree to our User-Generated Content (UGC) terms and conditions, as detailed in the Terms of Service. This includes confirming that they are at least 18 years old (or, if under 18, have verifiable parental/guardian consent and supervision). Submissions from or facilitated by minors without proper authorization will be automatically declined to prevent unauthorized access, privacy risks, or legal issues. For example, incarcerated users must not enlist minors (such as family members) to post testimonials without ensuring compliance.
- Focus on Constructive Feedback: Testimonials must be constructive, respectful, and focused on positive or neutral experiences. Content that constitutes hate messages, personal attacks, defamation, or negativity directed at individuals (e.g., platform users, staff, or program participants) is strictly prohibited. This includes inflammatory language, unfounded accusations, or any material that could harm reputations or incite conflict.
- Anonymity and Privacy Safeguards: Testimonials should not include personal identifying information about others without consent. If referencing specific individuals, users must obtain and provide proof of consent prior to submission.
- Required Moderation and Deletion Process: All testimonials will be reviewed by our team before publishing. Those identified as hate messages, abusive, or non-compliant will be deleted during the review process and not published. We may also edit for clarity or compliance while preserving the original intent. Users submitting violating content may face restrictions on future submissions, and egregious or repeated offenses could lead to account penalties as per our Terms of Service.
6. Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and notifying us of any unauthorized use.
7. Disclaimers & Limitations
"As Is" Basis: THE SITE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES.
Limitation of Liability: IN NO EVENT WILL WE BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
8. Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Prison Professors Charitable Corp., its officers, directors, and employees from any claims arising out of your use of the Site or breach of these Terms.
9. Section 230 Safe-Harbor
We are a platform, not the publisher. We may remove content at our discretion.
10. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time; changes take effect upon posting.
11. Governing Law
California law governs without conflict-of-law principles.
12. Contact
Legal@PrisonProfessors.org