The
freedom to view, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to
read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship
of any medium of expression. Therefore, we affirm these principles:
- It is in
the public interest to provide the broadest possible access to
films and other audiovisual materials because they have proven
to be among the most effective means for the communication of
ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to ensure the constitutional
guarantee of freedom of expression.
- It is in
the public interest to provide for our audiences, films and other
audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and
expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement
with or approval of the content.
- It is our
professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling
or pre-judging a film on the basis of the moral, religious, or
political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis
of controversial content.
- It is our
professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful
means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.
This statement
was originally drafted by the Educational Film Library Association's
Freedom to View Committee and was adopted by the EFLA Board of Directors
in February, 1979. Libraries and educational institutions are encouraged
to adopt this statement and display it in their catalogs or libraries.
The text of this statement may be reprinted freely; permission is
granted to all educational institutions to use it.
Adopted by the ALA Council June 1979.
|
