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The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians.

The IFRT Members Community group is the central hub for discussion, library and events. It is visible to all ALA members but only IFRT members can participate in the conversation.

  • 1.  Recent Editorial concerning YA books and "sensitivity" editing/censorship

    Posted Mar 18, 2019 10:54 PM

    I was interested to find this Editor's Letter as the lead item in the March 22 edition of the news magazine The Week.  It raises the issue of pre-censorship.  Is it editing or censorship when a work is systematically combed for anything that might offend or offer a "limited viewpoint" on any number of issues. Is this the return of the thought police or just being "sensitive?"

    Editor's letter
    Theweek remove preview
    Editor's letter
    Official site of The Week Magazine, offering commentary and analysis of the day's breaking news and current events as well as arts, entertainment, people and gossip, and political cartoons.
    View this on Theweek >


    ------------------------------
    Stephen Matthews
    Librarian Emeritus
    Foxcroft School
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Recent Editorial concerning YA books and "sensitivity" editing/censorship

    Posted Apr 20, 2019 08:46 PM
    I'm unable to access the editorial unless I open an account and I'm not willing to do that. "Editing" for "offensive" content is not editing. It's censorship, plain and simple. It reminds me labeling, which was the subject of ALA's very 1st Interpretation Statement pursuant to the Library Bill of Rights. What am I missing? 

    --
    Alvin M. Schrader, PhD
    Professor Emeritus, Practicum Sessional Instructor
    School of Library & Information Studies
    Adjunct Professor
    Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (iSMSS)
    7-104 Education Centre - North
    University of Alberta
    Edmonton AB T6G 2G5








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