With Laurie Halse Anderson’s frequently-challenged YA novel Speak reaching its 15th anniversary this year, the author is marking the occasion with a campaign called #Speak4RAINN15 which aims to raise $30,000 for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. Recently she…
Category: News Blog
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Of Mice and Men Overcomes Attempted Ban in Minnesota
In a week that has brought us ALA’s latest list of the ten most banned books (which inexplicably included Jeff Smith’s Bone!), we’re heartened to find that reason has ruled the day in Brainerd, Minnesota: The Brainerd school board voted…
The Bluest Eye Removed From Oklahoma High School Library Pending Review
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, which yesterday made the list of the top 10 most frequently banned and challenged books of 2013, is facing yet another challenge in Durant, Oklahoma. Parent Michelle Williams heard about the book via social media,…
Preview Paul Pope’s ESCAPO this Saturday, Portion of Proceeds to Benefit CBLDF!
Indie artist/writer PAUL POPE is getting ready to celebrate his next project, the new edition of ESCAPO (Z2 Comics , Summer 2014). His book preview event will be a full on mash-up of comics and music fans rockin’ out. Exclusive…
Bone Named Among 10 Most Banned Books of 2013!
Today, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom posted their annual list of the ten most-challenged books. The 2013 list has many of the “usual suspects” and one not-so-usual suspect: Jeff Smith’s Bone secured the rank of tenth most…
Signed Books From Bechdel, Cruse, Staples & Robt. Wms. For CBLDF!
Last weekend the CBLDF had a spectacular time at the MoCCA Festival here in NYC, presented by the Society of Illustrators. It was CBLDF’s privilege to host signings with Guests of Honor Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruse, Fiona Staples, and Robert…
Lenny Bruce: When Censorship Ain’t No Joke
April 3 marked the 50th anniversary of Lenny Bruce’s arrest in New York on obscenity charges. His crime? Using phrases such as “jack me off,” “nice tits,” and “go come in a chicken” in his stand up routine. Within the…
Recent Studies Negate Idea that Violence in Video Games Causes Real World Violence
Despite overwhelming evidence otherwise, violent video games have long been a scapegoat for politicians, pundits, and more when discussing the causes of real world violence. Two recent studies have added to the evidence that strongly contradicts the idea that the…
Jefferson Center Calls Out Free Speech Violations With 2014 Muzzle Awards
It’s time once again for the Muzzle Awards, presented annually by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression to “recognize” individuals or organizations that have committed egregious violations against free speech in the past year. This year…
Researchers Analyze Syrian Political Cartoons on Facebook
As we’ve seen many times over, political cartoons play an important role in fomenting rebellion against repressive governments. Because it’s often difficult or impossible to distribute them through traditional print media in their own countries, many cartoonists are now taking…