Welcome to the Intellectual Freedom Homepage

Intellectual Freedom Position Statement

The purpose of this committee shall be to gather resources, disseminate information and educate itself and the members of WSRA in order to uphold the value of intellectual and academic freedom. The committee will be concerned with advising and supporting practicing educators in maintaining intellectual and academic freedom in the context of their work.

An Educator's Action Plan

  • Check to see if there are print and nonprint material selection policies and procedures on file in the district. If there is no policy, develop one with your administration and school board.
  • Prepare and/or collect rationales for the use of specific curricular materials.
  • Dialogue with the parents/community on controversial issues to gain support.
  • Find alternate choices for students.
  • Engage students in discussions/activites to intellectual freedom.

After a Challenge:

  • Try to resolve the challenge informally.
  • Provide a request for review form if needed.
  • Make sure district review procedures are followed.
  • Conduct the review openly. Look for sources to support the material(s) being questioned.

Resources That Will Help Fight Censorship

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
131 W. 43rd St.
New York , NY 10036
(212) 944-9800
www.aclu.com

American Library Association ( ALA )
Freedom to Read Foundation
50 East Huron St.
Chicago , IL 60611
(312) 280-4224 or
(800) 545-2433 ext. 4224
www.ala.org

International Literacy Association (ILA)
800 Barksdale Road
P.O. Box 8139
Newark , DE 19711-8139
(302) 731-1600
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/

National Council Teachers of English (NCTE)
1111 Kenyon Road
Urbana , IL 61801-1096
(800) 369-6283 ext.400
www.ncte.org

People for the American Way
200 M St., NW - Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 467-2381
www.pfaw.org

Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
4290 Helen C. White Hall
600 N. Park St.
Madison , WI 53706
(608) 263-3720
www.soemadison.wisc.edu/ccbc

Resources About Copyright

Frequently Asked Questions http://www.chillingeffects.org/fairuse/faq