NCAC says anthem permission violates student’s rights
NBC2, Sept 29th
Why an NC teacher was suspended for stepping on the American flag
Christian Science Monitor, 26 Sept. 2016
Unnatural Selection: More Librarians Are Self-Censoring
School Library Journal, Sept. 26. 2016
Welcome to Banned Books Week 2016
Banned Books Week 2016 is here! Each day this week, NCAC will be releasing and publicizing new content as part of our celebrations.
Banned Books Myths!
The Kids' Right to Read Project responds to some of the most frequently heard myths when it comes to challenged and banned books in this downloadable pulpy one-sheet inspired by Tales from the Crypt.
ACLU Joins NCAC in Protesting Attempts to Rate and Censor Library Books in Virginia; UPDATE: Books Will Remain in Libraries
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has today written to a Chesterfield, VA, school board in defense of books on a summer reading list that recently came under fire for containing "sexually explicit" material.
Free Speech Groups Denounce Boycott of Oregon Bookstore Over ‘Offensive’ Display
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) is leading a coalition of 6 free speech organizations in denouncing an Oregon theater group’s boycott of a nearby bookstore over a book display deemed racially offensive.
NCAC, Allies Raise Concerns About Oregon Shakespeare Festival Boycott of Bookstore to Protest a Display About Censorship
Signed by 6 free speech organizations, NCAC's statement reminds OSF of the meaning behind a banned books showcase, that more speech is always better than less.
The Trapdoor of Trigger Words
Slate, 5 Sept. 2016
Reject Calls to Remove Book Series from Florida School Library, Free Speech Groups Urge
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and a group of free speech advocates are coming to the defense of popular, but frequently censored, books, urging school officials to leave them in the school library.
Univ. of Chicago pushes back on trigger warnings, safe spaces
Intellectual Takeout, Aug 23 2016.
NCAC Supports Letter Protesting Effort to Request US Visitors’ Social Media Info.
NCAC is one of 28 signatories on a letter sent by the Center for Democracy & Technology to the DHS urging the rejection of a proposal to ask foreign travelers about their social media presence.
Group warns book removal infringes on student rights
Chesterfield Observer, Aug 10 2016.
First Amendment Groups Urge University of Wisconsin-Stout To Keep Historic Paintings On Display UPDATE: Chancellor Modifies Course, Paintings to be Relocated
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) are urging the University of Wisconsin-Stout to reverse a proposal to place historic paintings depicting First Nations peoples into storage because some claim that they reinforce negative stereotypes of Native Americans.
First Amendment and Education Groups Unite to Oppose Effort to Rate and Censor Books
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) is leading a coalition of groups which on August 1st sent a letter to a Virginia school board addressing claims that award-winning contemporary novels contain “pornographic” material.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Falls Short of its Mission by Cancelling Site Specific Installation about the Environment
The National Coalition Against Censorship has issued a statement In response to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) halting of an environmental artwork.
NJ Bill Proposed To Prevent Schools Meddling In Student Journalism; UPDATE: Illinois Drafts Similar Legislation Into Law
The legislation will prohibit the vetting of articles prior to publication—with the exception of those that are libelous, unwarrantedly invade privacy, violate the law, or incite students to disobey school policies.
Talk about, don’t hide, public art
The Chicago Tribune, July 15 2016.
Bill Proposed To Streamline Legal Action Taken On Intellectual Property
The drafted legislation would allow copyright owners to avoid costly federal lawsuits when protecting intellectual property.
American Nocturne: When Public Art Engenders Controversy
In response to the recent public removal surrounding the “American Nocturne” mural found downtown in the city of Elgin, Illinois, a product of public outcry, the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Art Advocacy Program yesterday sent a letter addressed to Elgin Mayor David Kaptain supporting the mural’s return. The letter has been sent in advance of the Elgin City Council meeting on July 13th when a vote will decide the mural’s ultimate fate.
Knox elected to National Coalition Against Censorship board
iSchool at Illinois, July 5 2016
Freedom Of Information Act Receives Milestone Reforms
President Obama on Thursday codified legislation to bolster the FOIA ensuring government accountability.
Legislating Against Revenge Porn: The Constitutional Pitfalls
A Rhode Island Bill to tackle "revenge porn" was just nixed. But why was this a good thing?
Victory: Court Rules in Favor of Net Neutrality
A court has ruled against Internet providers looking to change the legal classification of internet service, which would have allowed bigger domain names to purchase faster connection speeds.
Vermont School Disinvites Childrens Author Because of Book About Heroin Addiction; UPDATE: School Reverses Decision, Will Carry Book in Library
Kate Messner speaking event at South Burlington's Chamberlin Elementary School after the school discovered her latest book was about heroin addiction.
US Copyright Office Leads Inquiry to Tighten Online Content Takedown Procedure; UPDATE: Comment from The Authors Guild
A proposed change to the "notice and takedown" internet copyright procedure potentially threatens freedom of expression online.
Author Who Talks About Transgender Themes Disinvited from Schools in Texas
The children's author Phil Bildner apparently has been disinvited from several schools in Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas. He published this statement yesterday on the blog of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom: Whenever I present to kids at my school visits, I always booktalk other authors’ books. It’s important for kids to know about the great stories that are out there. I always [...]
Portland Resolution on Teaching Climate Change Raises Concerns
NCAC has released the following statement on the climate change controversy brewing in Portland: On May 17, the Public School Board of Portland, Oregon unanimously adopted a resolution to “Develop an Implementation Plan for Climate Literacy,” which concluded with this recommendation: “The implementation plan should include a review of current textbooks for accuracy around the severity of the climate crisis and the [...]
Previously Censored Senior Reads “Dark” Poem at Graduation
I woke up today. And when I woke up I thought of A friend. I thought of Kyle, I thought of Jack, I thought of Tamir And those who we have lost, Those who Cannot wake up. This stanza from an original poem by senior at Austin High School in Austin, Texas led to him being prohibited from reading it at his graduation. Pablo [...]