School Censorship in the 21st Century: A Guide for Teachers and School Library Media Specialists

As we enter the 21st century, the access to information and freedom of speech provided by the Internet and other digital technologies has revolutionized the nature of censorship challenges, and opened an entirely new realm of legal and social ramifications for censorship in U.S. schools. In the midst of this digital revolution, traditional forms of censorship continue to take their toll on students' learning opportunities and teachers' instructional choices. School Censorship in the 21st Century: A Guide for Teachers and School Library Media Specialists offers a contemporary view of challenges to students' right to read and teachers' right to choose books and other instructional materials. Authored by experienced censorship opponents John S. Simmons and Eliza T. Dresang, this important volume offers insights into the nature of current censorship challenges, the historical and cultural context in which they occur in the United States, and the resources that exist for meeting these increasingly complex challenges.

Teachers and media specialists need to work with both students and school administrators to safeguard their schools against censorship attacks. By meeting potential challenges with a strong, united, and proactive approach, all members of a school community can help ensure an accessible and safe teaching and learning environment. "Guidelines for Teachers and Librarians" are included in the book at the end of most chapters, along with lists of recommended Web sites.

Don't get caught off guard by censorship! Use School Censorship in the 21st Century to prepare your school for challenges to the freedom to teach and learn.