The author analyzes censorship as used against books which do not present all points of view--political, religious, sexual, etc., and suggests that no book could possibly be so comprehensive as to present all viewpoints. The answer, he claims, is a curriculum which helps students to think for themselves. (KC)

The textbooks of a nation are generally a reflection of the values, goals, and essential priorities of that particular society. Therefore, teachers, parents, administrators, school boards, and publishers must ensure that the best thinking of various groups and of textbook critics is incorporated in the development of more effective textbooks.…

Examines the negative implications of special interest group influence on the selection of textbook content for public school students. Suggests guidelines for altering the textbook adoption process to reduce the domination of public testimony by interest groups. Argues that limiting students to one view is not conducive to critical thinking and…

Frances FitzGerald's critique of American social studies and history curricula in "America Revised" is reviewed. The conclusion drawn is that censorship, special interests, and marketability exercise too great an influence on the textbook industry. (JMF)

Reviews the activities of the New Christian Right (NCR) related to teaching evolution in the public schools. Describes the effects of legislation and court litigation on the NCR's efforts to eliminate secular humanism from textbooks. Provides an NCR definition of secular humanism. (LS)

Raises the issue of prepublishing censorship by textbook makers in geography texts, provides some examples of this kind of screening, and suggests ways for teachers and students to address the problem. Indicates that textbook makers must be sensitive to public values, political forces, and the market. (TRS)

Reviews proceedings in "Mozert v. Hawkins County," in which the Sixth Circuit Court found that Holt reading series used by Hawkins County Public Schools caused the plaintiff students to "forfeit a free public education." Implications of this court decision are discussed. The judge narrowed the scope of the decision to the…

Discusses an article which presents a concise discussion of secular humanism. Reviews additional materials on censorship from the perspective of the new religious right, the fundamentalists, and public policy and the law. The sources provide background to enhance teaching about secular humanism and textbook censorship. (SLM)

The lawyer representing "Concerned Women for America" discusses the real issues in the Tennessee Textbook Case, as opposed to the apparent issues. (NKA)

Observes that, although textbook reform in occupied Japan originally supported democratic principles of openness and competition, it later became a mechanism for anticommunist censorship. Maintains that interpretations of Japan's military conduct remain highly politicized and controversial. (MJP)