Freedom of expression is the core political ideal undergirding American democracy and recent attacks on freedom of speech are a direct threat to the liberties and rights guaranteed in the United States Constitution. Freedom of expression is essential for participatory democracy, scientific progress, individualism, and civic education in K-12…

There are serious flaws in the claim that there is some equal balance in the nature of book protests from the left and right wings. The flaws are a failure to acknowledge distinctions that have to do with the object of the protest; its aim and eventual consequence; and its tactics. (RM)

All students in public school classrooms have the right to materials and educational experiences that promote open inquiry, critical thinking, diversity in thought and expression, and respect for others. Denial or restriction of this right is an infringement of intellectual freedom. Because of their almost exactly similar positions against…

Discusses how as administrators struggled to find a delicate balance between patriotism and tolerance, the rights of students and teachers took a beating following the events of September 11, 2001. Presents several comments from high school journalists after September 11th. (SG)

Discusses the plight of high school journalism advisers who are involved in court litigation concerning censorship problems. (RB)

Reviews the implications of the Supreme Court decision in "Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser." Schools must still comply with First Amendment and may not restrict student speech without valid reason. The maintenance of school order and the protection of rights of others are valid reasons. Speech is not immunized by the…

When threatened with censorship, educators can call upon the National Coalition against Censorship (NCAC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit corporation uniting a broad range of professional, educational, artistic, labor, civil rights, and religious groups in their common conviction that freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression must be defended. NCAC…

Provides arguments and evidence that the student press, legally, has the right to operate freely, with only the same restrictions that apply to the professional media. (HOD)

Recommends that schools consider adopting publication guidelines to help students exercise tact and restraint with regard to their First Amendment rights. Suggests that guidelines can channel enthusiasm and help clarify the limits of expression in a way that will not stifle ideas or cripple thought. (MS)

Winter 2007 marked an episode of high anxiety in the library science profession, when the latest Newbery winner, "The Higher Power of Lucky," triggered discussion about words and their suitability for young readers. It seems that the entire world now knows that the word "scrotum" appears on the first page of the book. School…

Removal of school library books is again an issue in the courts. In a 1993 Kansas City case involving the superintendent's removal of "Annie on My Mind" from several school libraries, the federal court found that school officials' motivation violated the First Amendment. Administrators must resist the temptation to quell controversy by…

Examines the Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court decision regarding removal of books from public school classrooms and libraries, analyzes its effect on removal of books from the curriculum for legitimate educational reasons, and discusses a potential conflict between Hazelwood principles and the Establishment Clause of the First…

Reviews the "Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier" U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a principal's right to censor the content of a school-sponsored student publication. Explains why teachers oppose this decision, discusses liability issues, and argues for a free, uncensored student press. Includes eight legal references. (MLH)

Many "student-written" newspapers are actually products of heavy faculty and/or administrative control. Advocates for student press rights should acknowledge administrators' concerns for a safe, orderly environment. Administrators must acknowledge their failure to support secondary students' First Amendment rights. Many administrators…