The Kids Are Right
Slate, 3/12/2017
Governor likely to veto ‘sexually explicit’ bill
Chesterfield Observer, 3/8/2017
The Constitution enshrines a free press as a watchdog.
Monterey County Weekly, 3/9/2017
NCAC Urges Rejection of ‘Anti-Science’ Legislation In Oklahoma; Bill Passed by OK State Senate
S.B. 393 is the latest in a string of similar “anti-science bills” introduced in states around the country. One such bill was rejected by South Dakota’s House Education Committee last month.
‘Stuck in the Middle’ Editor Ariel Schrag on Reading to Grapple With Real Life Problems
Yesterday, NCAC, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and 6 other free speech and education groups defended Ariel Schrag's acclaimed anthology Stuck in the Middle, which had been challenged in a school library in Oklahoma. NCAC joined CBLDF to ask Schrag for her thoughts on the challenge.
Free Speech Groups Defend Graphic Novel Censored in Oklahoma Over ‘Adult Themes’
NCAC highlights that Stuck in the Middle is praised for its realistic, un-sanitized depiction of difficult situations that characterize the harder truths of teenage life.
NCAC Protests Oregon School’s Unwarranted Removal of Eleanor & Park
NCAC’s letter to the school district reprimands the school for violating its own book challenge review process, and emphasizes the value of Rowell’s novel.
Free Speech, Press Groups Call President’s Attacks on the Media a Threat to Democracy
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), along with more than 75 other organizations committed to the First Amendment right of freedom of speech and the press, condemn efforts by the Trump administration to demonize the media and undermine its ability to inform the public about official actions and policies. In a joint statement released today, the groups stress that the administration’s attacks on the press pose a threat to American democracy.
NCAC & Over 80 Other Free Speech, Press Groups Call President’s Attacks on the Media a Threat to Democracy
Efforts to undermine the legitimacy or independence of the press, the statement reads, “betray the country’s most cherished values and undercut one of its most significant strengths.”
NCAC Protests the Removal of American Diversity Posters over Alleged “anti-Trump” bias
NCAC is urging a Maryland school district to allow its teachers to display a series of posters promoting diversity and inclusion in America after administrators ordered their removal over concerns of political bias.
The 10 Worst Colleges For Free Speech: 2017
The Huffington Post, 2/22/2017
Publisher cancels Milo Yiannopoulos book ‘Dangerous’
Associated Press, 2/20/2017
In Defense of Milo Yiannopoulos’s Book
Publisher's Weekly, 2/15/2017
Without Review, Oregon Middle School Removes Eleanor & Park After Parents Complain
The Yamhill-Carlton School District in Western Oregon pulled the New York Times bestseller from a school lesson plan without following the school's review process for book challenges.
NCAC Objects to Bill Threatening to Undermine Science Education Standards in South Dakota; UPDATE: Bill Defeated in the House Education Committee
The bill removes the restraints on teachers that prevent them from straying from professionally-developed science standards adopted by state educators.
NCAC Guest Column: Jay High School’s book ban sets ‘dangerous precedent’
Santa Rosa Press Gazette, 2/13/2017
Free Speech Groups Defend Black History Month Exhibit Removed on Grounds of Offense
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California are urging a California High School District to immediately redisplay an exhibition of paintings celebrating Black History Month. The exhibition was abruptly terminated after it was deemed to be politically charged. The groups are also asking the school district to put policies in place that prevent future viewpoint discrimination against artworks.
Censorship versus free speech at a very local level
San Francisco Chronicle, 2/10/2016
Cultural Institutions and Organizations Condemn Trump’s Travel Ban
Hyperallergic, 2/8/2017
Free Speech, Artist Groups Condemn Decision to Remove Controversial Painting from Student Art Exhibition in U.S. Capitol
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and close to a dozen other organizations committed to defending free speech and the arts are condemning the decision of the Architect of the Capitol to remove a student painting displayed on Capitol Hill after it sparked controversy for its alleged anti-police message.
GAY PARTS WITH PUBLISHER OVER DEAL WITH FAR-RIGHT PUNDIT
Associated Press, 1/25/2017
Some fighting to keep n-word in school’s ‘Ragtime’ production
NJ.com, 1/25/2017
PEN America Comments on Trump Admin. Gag Order on Government Agencies
“Blanket orders from the Trump Administration preventing the staffs and experts of federal agencies from communicating with the public send a chilling message that every governmental communication, no matter how routine or technical, will now be subject to a political litmus test."
NJ School Wins Courage in Theater Award For Reversing Censorship of ‘Ragtime’ Performance
The language, NCAC argues, reflects a historical reality and its inclusion will help to educate students about the ugly reality of racism.
Unseen Mark Twain fairytale to be published
The Guardian, 1/23/2017
NCAC Issues Rebuttal to Supporters of Virginia ‘Sexually Explicit’ Book Regulation; UPDATE: Bill Vetoed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe
NCAC and other free speech groups write to the VA Board of Education in advance of a January 26th meeting to discuss the proposal.
NCAC & FIRE Respond to Fordham’s Feeble Justification for Denying Club Status to pro-Palestine Group; UPDATE: SJP Students File Lawsuit Against Fordham
The University have justified the decision based on the group’s “political goals” and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, which they say are contrary to Fordham’s “mission and values.”
NCAC Condemns Decision to Remove Student Painting from U.S. Capitol Building; UPDATE: Rep. Clay Files Lawsuit Against Architect of the Capitol
Rep. Clay, in a statement issued by his office in St. Louis, said the painting's removal has “sent a chilling message to young Americans that their voices are not respected, their views are not valued, and their freedom of expression is no longer protected in the U.S. Capitol.”
Trump Plans to Eliminate the NEA, Lost Cuban Painting Resurfaces … And More
New York Observer, 1/19/2017
The Banned Books Your Child Should Read
The New York Times, 1/16/2017
Capitol Controversy Rages as Student Painting is Repeatedly Removed and Restored
Artnet News, 1/11/2017
Free Speech Groups Object to Bill Requiring Educators Notify Parents Prior to Use of Sex Ed. Materials
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and other organizations committed to defending the freedom to read are urging New Hampshire legislators to reject a proposed bill that would require schools to notify parents prior to the teaching of materials with information about human sexuality.
NCAC Objects to Bill Requiring Parental Notification Prior to Teaching of Sex Ed. Materials; UPDATE: NH Gov Signs Bill Into Law
The letter questions the bills breadth, which may end up flagging valuable works of literature that include sexual scenes.
NCAC Releases Statement in Support of Rep. Clay’s Decision to Re-Display Controversial Painting; UPDATE: NCAC Addresses Justification for Removal
The statement reprimands Representative Hunter, who removed the painting from the U.S, Capitol, for his disregard of the First Amendment.
Free Speech Groups Support Publisher of Milo Yiannopoulos’ Book
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and other organizations dedicated to defending free expression are voicing concern over recent calls to boycott the publisher Simon & Schuster because one of its imprints – Threshold Editions – is publishing a book by the controversial conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.
Free Speech Groups Release Statement in Support of Publisher of Milo Yiannopoulos’ Book; UPDATE: NCAC Responds to Cancellation of Milo’s Book
The statement argues that “the suppression of noxious ideas does not defeat them; only vigorous disagreement can counter toxic speech effectively.”