Probes the intrinsically political nature of education. Distinguishes between liberation through knowledge and indoctrination. Maintains that the task of liberal educators is to open students' minds, not possess them. Argues that the possibility for liberal education relies on the discovery of transtemporal, transhistorical, transcultural truth,…

Reviews the literature in library and information science to identify factors that influence the outcome of challenges to school library materials. A conceptual model is developed that encompasses district selection policy, librarian characteristics, school environment, community environment, and initiator of the challenge, and tentative…

Describes a checklist survey of five major Metropolitan Toronto library systems that examined the inclusion of New Right literature in library collections. It is concluded that the presence of this literature indicates a strong commitment to intellectual freedom by Canadian librarians. The checklist used is provided. (six references) (CLB)

Although the goal of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is to make government more open and accountable, a number of unintended effects have resulted. Amendments are proposed to prevent the use of the FOIA by criminals and foreign agents and to place the cost of administering the law on the user. (FMW)

While expecting to see microcomputers on the desks of business people, scientists, lawyers, and other professionals, we have failed to allow teachers similar access to these machines. Instead of trying to restructure teaching to fit future technologies, schools should empower teachers and place them at the forefront of future innovation. (MLH)

Traces trends in the federal government's policy toward publication of statutes and publication practices from the time of the colonies to the present administration. The impairment of the publication of federal administrative law is then discussed in the context of the rise of a national security state. (118 notes with references) (CLB)

Institutions that have adopted anti-harassment plans have taken one of two approaches: some penalize students for verbally or physically attacking other students, while others prohibit students from engaging in any kind of offensive behavior, regardless of whether it is directed at an individual. (MLW)

Some faculty members and administrators feel that the Dartmouth "Review" is beginning to cause serious, long-term damage to the college. Controversies sparked or fanned by the paper have cost the college the support of some alumni and have impaired its ability to attract some top students and faculty members. (MLW)

Discusses the need for a value-based reference policy and suggests one based on John Rawls' system in "A Theory of Justice" that provides equitable service to all members of an academic community while permitting the librarian to uphold the ideal of freedom of access to information. (11 references) (LRW)

Reviews the case of Cissy Lacks, who was summarily dismissed from her teaching job after her principal went into a locked closet and found a videotape of students reading their creative compositions, which contained profanity. Discusses the effect of censorship on teaching. (TB)

Discusses the uncertainty surrounding the application of the First Amendment to electronic bulletin boards, listservs, electronic conferences, and other exchanges of electronic information at public colleges and universities. Applies the notions of nonpublic forums and designated open forums to the computer network. (MLF)

This article addresses five misconceptions relating to academic tenure, arguing against the notions that tenure is no longer necessary for the defense of academic freedom; is simply job security and exchangeable for other benefits; diminishes academic quality; is no longer feasible because of the elimination of mandatory retirement; and is a…

A study to explore public librarians' attitudes and opinions concerning issues of intellectual freedom, collection balance, and controversial materials focused on the availability of Holocaust-denial literature. Results indicate that librarians, regardless of outside pressures, would provide access to this material. A copy of the survey is…

Exchange of obscene materials on college computer networks is raising free-speech issues and concern about public response. Standards of conduct for computer use by faculty, administrators, and students are under consideration on a number of campuses. Legality of the materials and appropriate use of institutional resources are also issues. (MSE)

Presents a 10-day teaching unit on the law and ethics of press rights, particularly regarding high school student newspapers. Includes unit objectives and suggested resources, as well as sample situations for class activities. (SR)