Censorship in Public Colleges and Universities

(2007-2008 edition)

Combining a history of challenges to academic freedom with censorship of student publications, the Long Island Coalition Against Censorship has published a new edition of our exhibit, Censorship in Public Colleges and Universities.

The exhibit begins with McCarthyism in the 1950s and describes two of the most significant cases of college censorship that occurred during that period. Following these two cases are descriptions and illustrations of censorship of student organizations, guest speakers, and art and theater programs that have occurred in the last 50 years. One of the recent additions to the exhibit include an attempt to prohibit using the Koran in an orientation program for incoming freshmen. There are 13 examples of censorship in this part of the exhibit. A number of U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal and state court decisions are documented.

The second part of the exhibit focuses on censorship of student publications from the early 1950s to the present. Using resources form the college press archives, the Student Press Law Center and college libraries, the exhibit presents a variety of incidents of censorship by administrators and students. A recent case involves the attempt to censor a college yearbook using the same standard that applies to high school publications. Cases where many campus publications protect their First Amendment rights are recorded. In this part of the exhibit, 12 incidents of censorship of the student press are detailed. Federal and state court decisions are cited.

We have been able to reproduce quality copies of each censorship incident. There are illustrations that are 11” x 14” and each one is accompanied by detailed text material that is also 11” x 14.” The exhibit may be readily displayed on poster boards in the birary, student center or at another exhibit space on campus. The exhibit can then be retained in the library for reference purposes. Sample exhibits are available on this site.

The cost including mailing charges is $35 postpaid by check to the address below. An e-mail order to coalcen1@verizon.com or a purchase order is acceptable. For further information, call 516-944-9799

Long Island Coalition Against Censorship

PO Box 296, Pt. Washington, NY 11050