Neil Gaiman’s bestselling novel Neverwhere has been returned to classrooms in Alamogordo, New Mexico, after the approval of a review committee and worldwide protest that included a letter signed by CBLDF! District spokesperson Doyle Styling talked to Karyn M. Peterson with…
Category: Legal
CBLDF Defends The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian in Montana Victory
A Billings, Montana, parent’s crusade against Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ended after a packed school board meeting last night, during which the school board elected to retain the novel in area classrooms. CBLDF joined…
Cartoonist Zunar Loses Appeal Over Wrongful Arrest
A Malaysian political cartoonist who was arrested and charged with sedition just before the publication of his 2010 book has lost an appeal of his suit against the government for wrongful arrest. Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, better known by the pen…
The Secret History of Comics Censorship
Researcher Carol Tilley revealed to the world that much of Fredric Wertham’s data supporting the “dangers” of comics were largely fabricated. Her evidence? Wertham’s own notes and papers. Recently, Tilley joined CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein and Abrams Comicarts editorial…
Tucson School District Lifts Ban on Mexican American Studies Books
Nearly two years ago, the Tucson school district dissolved the acclaimed Mexican American Studies program. In doing so, they removed seven books by Latino and Native writers from the curriculum. Last night, the TUSD school board voted 3-2 to allow…
Cannes Winner Based on Graphic Novel Won’t Play in Idaho
Idaho residents anxious to see the film Blue is the Warmest Color, the 2013 winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or that is based on a French graphic novel, will likely have to travel out of state or wait…
Understanding Your Rights FAQ – What Do Obscenity & Related Laws Mean?
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund frequently receives questions from our community about one’s rights relating to comics, so we have created this column – “Understanding Your Rights” as a series of FAQs to help clearly explain these concepts. Today’s column…
Obscenity Case Files: Jenkins v. Georgia
In 1972, a movie theater manager in Albany, Georgia, was convicted under a Georgia statute for the crime of distributing obscene material for showing the film Carnal Knowledge. The conviction took place during an odd limbo period between the decisions…
Persecuted Cartoonists Converse About Censorship
Cartoonists Rights Network International recently shared in interview between Malaysian cartoonist Zunar and Singaporean cartoonist Leslie Chew — both of whom have been arrested and persecuted in their home countries for their political cartoons. Zunar visited Singapore and interviewed Chew…
Laptop Searches at the U.S. Border Continue to Cause Concern
Imagine going on a relaxing vacation out of the country with friends or family, but upon your return to the United States, your laptop is taken from you by border security for what seems to be no reason at all.…