Reviews the 1974 statement on academic freedom of the National Council for the Social Studies and offers a rationale for maintaining academic freedom. Reviews recent censorship threats, the "climate of restriction" which pervades textbooks and teaching, and teachers' reasons for self-censorship. (JDH)

Part of the acceptance speech of the 1985 National Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year, this article describes the censorship experience of this honored social studies teacher. The incident involved the showing of a videotape version of the feature film entitled "The Seduction of Joe Tynan." (JDH)

Teachers are facing political pressure from both the left and the right regarding their right to choose appropriate instructional materials. The experiences of several teachers who have been involved in censorship arguments are reported. A checklist of items concerning school policies and public relations activities to counter censorship is…

Presents and discusses the resolution concerning reading material availability that was passed by delegates at the 1980 convention of the International Reading Association in response to pressures from special interest groups. (FL)

The American Association of University Professors' (AAUP) support for the right of institutions to deny academic freedom to professors of religion is traced historically. It is suggested AAUP would not likely censor an institution that chose to restrain heretical opinions, although this position conflicts with AAUP's strong support for open…

While censorship pressures emanate from all points on the political spectrum at different times, the current censorship movement comes mostly from political conservatives. Censorship efforts by the Reagan administration include barring entry of foreign speakers whose views do not coincide with those of the administration, inhibiting the free flow…

The American conception of academic freedom, which is derived from 18th century Germany, is traced, and the issue of the right of academic freedom for religion professors at church-related colleges is explored. A committee of 15 American professors in 1915 proposed a "Declaration of Principles" that endorsed academic freedom but…

Presents an overview of the increase in incidents involving censorship in all areas of the United States. (NKA)

Provides an historical survey of efforts by social groups to monitor and influence classroom instruction that treats the ethics of political and social practices, beginning with the rediscovery, after World War I, of the importance of ethical communication practices in democratic politics. (NKA)