Bill Smoot, a long-term volunteer literature teacher, lost his teaching position at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center after publishing his debut novel. The book, titled San Quentin Exodus, depicts a fictional prison escape plotted by a volunteer tutor and an inmate. Smoot taught literature at the facility for 14 years before his removal in March. He received notice of his termination via email from Jody Lewen, the president of Mount Tamalpais College, which oversees the program.
According to Lewen, the decision originated from prison administration rather than the college. She noted that Smoot ignored prior advice to avoid using the prison name in his book title and failed to adhere to volunteer rules regarding media access. Lewen stated that the administration acted because of the book’s premise. She expressed frustration that Smoot continues to characterize his removal as an injustice rather than a consequence of his own choices.
Smoot maintains that his work is a piece of fiction rather than a security threat. Supporters, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, argue that the novel does not function as an actual escape manual. They point to the elaborate and unrealistic plot points as evidence that the book serves as social commentary rather than a realistic guide for circumventing prison security protocols. The book explores themes of incarceration, identity, and the systemic conditions that contribute to crime in the Bay Area.
Prior to this incident, Smoot wrote about his experiences teaching at the prison without facing institutional blowback. He previously contributed a piece to Salon in 2013 regarding his work at the facility. As the situation remains unresolved, Smoot continues his teaching career at other local institutions. He plans to host a book discussion in Berkeley later this month to discuss the themes within his work and his departure from the program.