In "The Strongsville Case" decision school librarians should spot two points to consider very carefully. They are: (1) the necessity of written book selection policies and (2) procedures for handling complaints. (Author)

Presents an historical overview of the rise of conservative pressure groups after 1980 and their association with an increase in censorship activities in schools. Discusses the influence of the Reagan administration; library materials selection; textbook selection; secular humanism; and trying to affect the curriculum rather than targeting…

A national survey reveals increasing attempts to challenge or restrict the books available to students. Schools need to establish a book selection policy, a method for dealing with complaints, and better communication with the public. (Author/JM)

Censorship problems are becoming more complex. Liberals as well as conservatives are objecting to certain materials. And because selection of textbooks and school library materials hinges not only on content but on budgetary and instructional considerations, school censorship cases can be even more difficult to pinpoint. (SJL)

This statement, prepared by the National Council of Teachers of English, addresses the increasing problem of censorship in the public schools in the form of pressure to restrict or deny students access to certain books or periodicals deemed objectionable by individuals or groups on moral, political, religious, ethnic, racial, or philosophical…

A survey investigated the existence and extent of censorship in the Wisconsin high schools. Questionnaires were sent to the principals, librarians, and some English, social studies and science teachers at 426 high schools. Tallies of the 728 questionnaires returned showed that censorship was a common event; 57.8% of respondents said there had been…

A survey designed to investigate how challenges to school library materials relate to the overall selection process found that (1) the number of challenges increased steadily with increasing grade level; (2) local challenges were more restrictive than state challenges; and (3) active challenges affected administrators' selection, making them more…

Provides various definitions of censorship; describes a case of censorship in New Brunswick, Canada; explains what happens to materials that have been challenged; and provides a challenged materials policy and a list of books that have been challenged in Canada. (SRT)

A national survey reveals that, although selection and review procedures can help when school materials are challenged, there is no substitute for good community relations in reducing those challenges in the first place. (Author/JM)

Attempts at censorship of books and periodicals used or made available in public schools have been increasing in recent years. Parents are raising a higher proportion of the complaints than ever before, and the percentage of complaints that are successful in having books removed from shelves is also on the rise. Three of seven federal court…

Citizens interested in preventing censorship in the public schools will find the readings, tips, and resources in this guide helpful. The text is divided into two sections. The first section, "An Overview of Censorship," provides an introduction to the organizations behind the growing censorship and anti-public education movement. The rise in…

Concerned with the freedom to teach and learn, this document offers guideline procedures for avoiding censorship disputes and for dealing with controversies which surround these issues. The experience and advice of several superintendents, principals, librarians, teachers, and curriculum workers who have recently been involved in textbook…

Controversies about the choice of books in school libraries raise two perplexing questions: (1) To what extent does the First Amendment allow the government to control what students read in schools? (2) If educational materials are to be selected, who makes these decisions? Several relevant court cases are reviewed. (Author/IS)