Intellectual Freedom for Students What is Intellectual Freedom

Intellectual Freedom for Students

What is Intellectual Freedom? The ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom—the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all people of its community.

Intellectual Freedom in Relation to Minors According to the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights: Libraries are obligated to provide free and equal access to library resources regardless of content, approach, or format. This applies equally to all users, minors as well as adults. Lack of access to information can be harmful to minors. Children and young adults unquestionably possess First Amendment rights, including the right to receive information through the library in print, sound, images, data, games, software, and other formats. Constitutionally protected speech cannot be suppressed solely to protect children or young adults from ideas or images believed to be unsuitable for them. Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that only parents and guardians have the right and the responsibility to determine their children’s—and only their children’s— access to library resources. Parents and guardians who do not want their children to have access to specific library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children.

Censorship & Banned Books Video https: //youtu. be/yyd 2 k. II-8 D 4 Banned Books Examples The Holy Bible Reasons: religious viewpoint The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon Reasons: offensive language, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group, and other (“profanity and atheism”) The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins Reasons: religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Reasons: offensive language, racism Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer Reasons: religious viewpoint, violence Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey Reasons: anti-family content, unsuited to age group, violence Harry Potter, by J. K. Rowling Reasons: anti-family, occult/Satanism, religious viewpoint, violence

Censorship & Banned Books Why are books banned? Why is it important to not ban books? How does this impact society? Education in a democratic society requires developing citizens who can adapt to changing times, make decisions about social issues, and effectively judge the performance of public officials. Public schools must not only provide knowledge of many subject areas and essential skills, but must also educate students on core American values such as fairness, equality, justice, respect for others, and the right to disagree.

Banned Books Activity Go to the link: http: //www. ala. org/advocacy/bbooks Work with a partner as you explore the Frequently Challenged Books and/or the Top 10 Most Challenged Books. What surprises you? Are there any books on the list that you’re familiar with? Why is it important to not ban the particular book?

References http: //www. ala. org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/access-library-resources-forminors