Category «Censorship»

Major Publishers Sue Florida Over Banned School Library Books

“Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and Sourcebooks have filed a lawsuit against Florida public officials, challenging sweeping book removal provisions of HB 1069, an education law that restricts books in school libraries. The additional plaintiffs joining the publishers are the Authors Guild, bestselling authors Julia Alvarez, Laurie …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Courts, Education, Legal Research, Legislation

Amanda Jones’ memoir recalls being branded ‘That Librarian’ by haters for calling out censorship

WBUR interview: “Host Deepa Fernandes speaks with Louisiana school librarian Amanda Jones. In her new memoir, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America,” Jones tells the story of the vitriol she received both in person and online after she spoke out against censorship at a public meeting.” Includes an Book excerpt: ‘That Librarian’

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties

Field Guide to Police Surveillance

“Welcome to the Field Guide to Police Surveillance. EFF’s Street-Level Surveillance project shines a light on the surveillance technologies that law enforcement agencies routinely deploy in our communities. These resources are designed for advocacy organizations, journalists, defense attorneys, policymakers, and members of the public who often are not getting the straight story from police representatives …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Courts, Free Speech, Legal Research, Privacy

Americans’ Views on Book Restrictions in U.S. Public Schools 2024

“A study from the Knight Free Expression Research Series produced by Knight Foundation in partnership with Langer Research Associates. Book challenges and restrictions in U.S. public schools have increased dramatically since 2021. Yet research on public awareness, attitudes and engagement in these activities is limited. In an effort to fill this critical knowledge gap in …

Subjects: Censorship, Legal Research, Libraries, Privacy

In November 2024, everything is at stake

“The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate. That’s a quote from Thomas Jefferson, and it’s super-relevant to our situation today. Our schools aren’t doing enough to create an educated electorate, and most of our journalists are doing a terrible job. This is terrifying, because the 2024 elections could be the …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Congress, Courts, Free Speech, Freedom of Information, Government Documents, Health Care, Internet, Knowledge Management, Legal Research, Privacy, Social Media

Utah outlaws books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas in first statewide ban

The Guardian: “Books by Margaret Atwood, Judy Blume, Rupi Kaur and Sarah J Maas are among 13 titles that the state of Utah has ordered to be removed from all public school classrooms and libraries. This marks the first time a state has outlawed a list of books statewide, according to PEN America’s Jonathan Friedman, …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Education, Knowledge Management, Legal Research, Legislation, Libraries

The Man Behind Project 2025’s Most Radical Plans

ProPublica:  The Man Behind Project 2025’s Most Radical Plans  – As Donald Trump tried to disavow the politically toxic project, its director, Paul Dans, stepped down. But the plans and massive staffing database that he prepared — to replace thousands of members of the “deep state” with MAGA loyalists — remain…But then again, his resignation …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Free Speech, Freedom of Information, Government Documents, Knowledge Management, Legal Research

Internet Archive Lists Banned Books

Metafilter: “included within a recent announcement by the the Internet Archive is a list of banned books. this is a great resource! started reading & only got as far as Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe [gbooks]. there’s apparently also a film. looking forward to exploring further!”

Subjects: Censorship, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Internet, Knowledge Management, Legal Research, Libraries

Conservative-backed group creating list of federal workers it suspects could resist Trump plans

AP: “From his home office in small-town Kentucky, a seasoned political operative is quietly investigating scores of federal employees suspected of being hostile to the policies of Republican Donald Trump, a highly unusual and potentially chilling effort that dovetails with broader conservative preparations for a new White House. Tom Jones and his American Accountability Foundation …

Subjects: Censorship, Congress, Government Documents, Legal Research

Project 2025, Election 2024, and America’s Future

TIME: “…Project 2025 led by the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a presidential transition operation—basically a government-in-waiting if former President Donald Trump returns to office on Jan. 20, 2025. The $22 million effort does not say it is specifically intended for Trump, but that it wants a conservative as the next …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Economy, Education, Government Documents, Health Care, Legal Research, Legislation, Medicine

South Carolina poised to impose draconian censorship regime on school libraries

Popular Information: “On Tuesday, the South Carolina State Board of Education will impose a centralized and expansive censorship regime on every K-12 school library in the state. The new regulations could result in the banning of most classic works of literature from South Carolina schools — from The Canterbury Tales to Romeo and Juliet to …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Education, Freedom of Information, Legal Research, Legislation

So What Is Going On With the Supreme Court in 2024?

Slate [read 5 articles free before paywalled] – “If you’re interested in understanding more about what the high court is, how it functions, and why it seems to have recently lurched to the right, start here…The 5 Circuit Court of Appeals covers Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Trump appointed six judges to this bench, some of …

Subjects: Censorship, Civil Liberties, Courts, Government Documents, Health Care, Legal Research, Medicine