This paper discusses the importance of intellectual freedom for libraries, librarians, and library associations. Examples of attempts at censorship in Australia are presented, including the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act, 1999, legislation that requires filtering of Internet content. The IFLA (International Federation of…

Speech codes and assessment mandates diminish academic freedom and instructional quality in higher education. Classroom speech and activities should be under individual faculty control; scholarly failure is the only basis for questioning classroom conduct; society's legal institutions should address legal issues; and informal norms should be…

Describes the tribally controlled media's efforts to provide a form of checks and balances against the tribal council on behalf of the tribal community. Examines the issue of freedom of the tribal press, suggesting that tribal council's control of press's operating funds may limit press freedom. (MAB)

A discussion of sexual harassment on American college campuses focuses on the case of Silva v. University of New Hampshire. The article examines the university's responsibility to protect students from sexual harassment while at the same time protecting freedom of expression. Various examples are presented in an attempt to define sexual…

Educators must respect parents' rights to protect their children from harmful books, but they must also see that one individual or group does not censor valuable books from every child. The paper discusses recent increases in censorship, presenting suggestions for making the best defense and offense when handling book complaints. (SM)

Examines academic freedom from the point of view of the intersection between researcher and professional journal. Identifies two major places where violations of academic freedom might occur: (1) the review and editorial process that precedes publication; and (2) tenure and merit considerations (including issues of retention, promotion, pay…

Observes that the humanities first came under attack immediately after their development in ancient Athens. Describes the fifth-century Sophists who developed an education designed for democracy. Urges support of the humanities today as a training in free citizenship, speech, and thought. Warns that technology cannot solve the problems facing…

Discusses the relationship between learning and governing, suggesting that systems of social organization reflect prevailing theories of mind and are presuppositional in higher education. Using philosophy, history, and politics, the paper suggests ways of designing higher education systems that reflect a comprehensive view and enhance democratic…

Reviews two challenges to free speech (school-sponsored speech and racist and sexist speech) on the college campus. Suggests guidelines for communication administrators attempting to maximize expressive freedom within the dictates of the law. (PRA)

Two reports discuss legislation and regulations affecting libraries in 1997, (funding, government information, intellectual freedom and property, Next Generation Internet, postal rates, telecommunications) and publishing in 1997 (intellectual property, freedom of expression, new technology, postal rates). (PEN)

Focuses on intellectual freedom, discussing the role of libraries, the Berlin Wall and banned books as attempts to restrict intellectual freedom, and controversies surrounding filtering software. Contains an annotated bibliography of intellectual freedom resources, presented in five categories: general; government and legal issues; access and…

The University of Wisconsin Madison has a speech code that punishes faculty who make offensive remarks in the classroom. The code, declared unconstitutional in 1991 by a federal judge, has now been revised by a panel of professors, administrators, and students to allow faculty to teach controversial subjects, even if some students are offended in…

Four examples show how academic freedom has come under heavy attack during the 20th century. Yet some scholars say they do not care about academic freedom. Perhaps the greatest danger to academic freedom does not come from scholars who advocate extreme views or assert their right to academic freedom, but from those who are apathetic or cowardly.…

This article discusses what has been called the bioart revolution. The author explores some of the common themes and major exhibits of this movement leading him to consider the role of the amateur or outsider engaging in science. The author closes with the case of Steven Kurtz, an artist currently facing 20 years in jail and a quarter of a million…

Should patriotism be considered a legitimate part of schooling in a democracy? This question has been contested in the scholarly literature as well as by policy-makers for decades. Terrorism and conflict exacerbate this debate by adding a sense of urgency to both the demand to love thy country and the concern for individual freedom. In this…