As challenges to school library books and instructional materials are on the rise across the country, artistic censorship in schools has received less attention. However, school districts everywhere are struggling with increased political scrutiny on curricular and extracurricular artistic expression. School administrators are increasingly feeling pressured to censor or alter visual art with potential “controversial” or “problematic” subject matter. Censorship of this kind endangers young people’s rights to free expression.
In response to these trends, NCAC has developed guidelines for educators and administrators to help them enact school policies that support artistic freedom. Without established procedures governing the manner in which student art may be displayed, school officials risk imposing their own biases and violating students’ right to freely express their views. Following these guidelines will protect artistic freedom and aid students’ creative learning.
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