What schools should teach and what materials they should use are fundamental questions. Censorhsip of K-12 curriculum materials threatens academic freedom, diversity of thought, and other important educational values. The definition of censorship is itself the subject of disagreement. Censorship cannot be clearly distinguished from the gatekeeping function that is exercised by those who select materials for use in schools. The legal trends in censorship issues, as they can be deduced from Supreme Court cases, are very broad and appear to be allowing schools broad discretion with respect to curriculum materials, methods, and programs. Good internal communications and public relations offer the best way to avoid unnecessary controversy. The district must specify criteria for making curriculum judgments, identify personnel to make those decisions, and provide written rationales for including or excluding potentially controversial materials. Educators should follow clearly defined procedures from initial response to a complaint through to its resolution. (8 references) (SI)