Censorship in the Classroom

Although it has been fascinating to theoretically discuss censorship in class, I just discovered that it’s an entirely different matter to watch it happen in your own town. Two local high school teachers in my hometown have recently become the center of a censorship battle. Apparently, the parent of a high school student complained to his child’s school that inappropriate videos were shown in two of his child’s classes. The first is a PBS Production called "Rage on the Radio" produced by Bill Moyers. “Rage on the Radio” is a video that discusses the effect that hostile “Shock Jock” media has had on political discourse. The second is an online video called “The Story of Stuff”, which critiques consumerism and promotes environmental sustainability.

The complaint stated that the teachers failed to provide balance to the videos by only showing one point of view and that the videos were liberal and partisan. The school board, by a 4-3 vote, backed the use of “Rage on the Radio”, but by another 4-3 vote said the use of “The Story of Stuff” was a violation of district policy regarding academic freedom. The board said that the teacher offered nothing to balance the view put forth in the “Stuff” video, even though the district policy doesn't mention anything about balance. The board continued to explain that a major factor in their decision was that the video had no application to a biology class. Yet, according to a science teacher at the same high school, sustainability is a component of the biology curriculum.

Surprisingly, high school students were the board’s most vocal opponents. Many students made statements to the board expressing their concern for setting a precedent that encourages censorship and violates academic freedom. The students also reiterated that the video was presented in an attempt to engage in classroom discussion.

The board chairwoman has expressed her desire to have the board revisit the issue, but only a board member who voted for the majority can bring the issue up for debate again and that doesn't seem likely.