Title

Brief article about the opposition of librarians to the Children's Internet Pro

Authors

Sam Smith

Source

Portland Phoenix

Date

1-26-2001

Pages

5

Abstract

Brief article about the opposition of librarians to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which was recently enacted by Congress and requires public libraries to put Internet filters on their computers to protect children from sexually explicit Web sites by April 20. Since the filters also prevent things like safe sex sites and breast cancer awareness sites, for example, librarians see the law as an infringement on First Amendment Rights. Both the American Library Association and the American Civil Liberties Union have decided to file suit against the CIPA. Libraries don't have to comply, but their failure to do so will make them ineligible for federal funding. Sheldon Kaye, the director of the Portland Public Library, says that his institution would have a difficult time if it gave up federal funds, but that at some point, one has to ask if it is worth it.

Subjects

Censorship, Children's Internet Protection Act, Free speech, Portland Public Library

Full text is not available here. Please contact the Library for a copy of the article.

Share

COinS