Intellectual Freedom Links:
Education and Advocacy Groups
You'll find additional links on our Thinking about Intellectual
Freedom page.AS IF: Authors Supporting Intellectual Freedom: AS IF! "champions those who stand against censorship, especially of books for and about teens." Members include many contemporary young adult authors. They sharing their thoughts and news about intellectual freedom and censorship attempts.
American Civil Liberties Union : The ACLU is the nation's primary advocate of an individual's civil rights and civil liberties as guaranteed by the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The ACLU is best known for its litigation efforts. The ACLU also assists with advice on how to handle the practical politics that surround attempts to have materials excluded from the public schools. (ACLU-Wisconsin)
Banned Books Week: Sponsored by the American Library Association, this annual event celebrates the freedom to choose, the freedom to read, and the freedom to speak.Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: This non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the First Amendment rights of the comics industry has a comics censorship bibliography, case files of censorship attempts in which they've been involved as First Amendment advocates, and news of current and ongoing cases.
First Amendment Schools. First Amendment Schools is a national reform initiative designed to transform how schools teach and practice the rights and responsibilities of citizenship that frame civic life in our democracy.
Free Expression Policy Project: This research and advocacy organization focuses on free speech, copyright and media democracy issues. Their areas of specific interest include (among others) restrictions of publicly funded expressions (such as in libraries and schools), internet filters, and censorship designed to "shield" minors.
Freedom Forum: The Freedom Forum is "dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit for all people." Among its initiatives are the Newseum, newsroom diversity, and First Amendment issues, which are emphasized through many education initiatives.
Freedom to Read Foundation (FRTF): The FTRF is the First Amendment legal defense arm of the American Library Association (ALA). The FTRF provides legal assistance and financial support in court cases involving the First Amendment and libraries.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) : The NCAC is an alliance of 50 national non-profit organizations that are united by a conviction that freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression must be defended. The organization works to educate its members and the public at large about the dangers of censorship and how to oppose them.
People For the American Way (PFAW) : The People For the American Way Foundation provides up-to-date news and information for policymakers, scholars and activists nationwide on the Religious Right movement and its political allies. PFAW also engages in legal action as needed to protect or restore the rights and liberties of Americans, as guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Especially for For Librarians
American Library Association
(ALA): The ALA has an Office
for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) that is charged with implementing
ALA policies concerning free access to libraries and library materials.
The OIF blog is
a great way to keep up with current news and legislation related to
IF in libraries. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and
the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual
freedom
in libraries. ALA also promotes such events as Banned Books
Week. The
ALA's LeRoy
C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund provides support to librarians
who are denied or lose employment because of discrimination, including
discrimination based on their defense of intellectual freedom.
Wisconsin
Library Association (WLA): Among
other goals, the WLA works to ensure that the people of Wisconsin have
the broadest possible access to information resources and materials.
WLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) and Intellectual Freedom
Round Table (IFRT) provide support for WLA members prior to, during,
and after a challenge. The IFC primarily recommends policies to the
WLA Board, keeps the Board informed of intellectual freedom developments
and recommends action. The
IFRT has unlimited membership. It can sponsor such projects as conference
programs or continuing education about intellectual freedom issues.
Wisconsin
Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA): The
WEMTA is an independent professional association of library media specialists
and instructional technology professionals in Wisconsin. Their website
includes a list of intellectual freedom sites.
Especially For Teachers
National Council of the Teachers of English (NCTE) : The NCTE works to improve the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. The NCTE has a sub-group called SLATE (Support for the Learning and Teaching of English) which serves as NCTE's intellectual freedom network. The NCTE website has a great "anti-censorship center" which provides multiple resources for professionals facing challenges.
International Reading Association (IRA): The IRA is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit. The IRA has an Intellectual Freedom Committee which strives to monitor challenges, prepare lists of resources, and communicate with other organizations on joint projects.
Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA): The WSRA is a state affiliate of the International Reading Association. Their Intellectual Freedom Committee's website includes "An Educator's Action Plan" and what to do "After a Challenge."
Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) : The WEAC has the goals of promoting respect and support for quality public education as well as providing for the professional and personal growth and economic welfare of members. Members include teachers, school library media specialists, and other school personnel.
