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in support of free expression
The information presented here by the National
Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) may be freely redistributed in its entirety,
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LAST UPDATED APRIL 2005
©Copyright 2005 NCAC
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Jeanne Criscola Criscola Design
NCAC Censorship News Issue #69:
Teen Magazines Too Racy?
Spring 1998 In Hauppauge, New York, a school superintendent rejected a professional review committee decision and banned three popular teen magazines from the middle school library after a parent complained. Her priest also urged his parishioners to lobby the schools because, he said, Seventeen, Teen, and YM Magazines "go against what we believe is the truth about sex as Catholic Christians." Superintendent Paul Lochner denies that he caved in to pressure, calling the magazines "age inappropriate" for middle school students, most of whom range in age from 11 to 14. Lochner, whose ban was upheld by the school board, faults the magazines for "not emphasizing abstinence as the best way to prevent AIDS." While they are no longer available in the middle school library, kids can easily purchase them.
The Hauppauge Teachers' Association called the superintendent's action censorship. According to HTA Vice-President Charles Dodd, the majority of the review committee agreed that there are many valuable articles for middle schoolers, on issues such as peer pressure, conformity and divorce, in addition to the factual columns on sex, bodies and health. The New York State United Teachers believe the action is unconstitutional. If the magazines are not returned, some students in the district say they will consider going to court to protect their First Amendment rights.
First Amendment organizations protesting the ban include NCAC, the Long Island Coalition Against Censorship, the NYCLU, and People for The American Way. Citing our common concern for promoting the best possible education for children, NCAC requested a meeting with Superintendent Lochner on behalf of the four groups but Lochner replied, "I would respectfully indicate that we both disagree as to the issues and I do not believe that any meeting would lend itself to any different resolutions than those that currently exist."
For NCAC's letter of protest to the school district, click here.