Social Studies Educators’ Attitudes Toward Censorship in Public Schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Abstract

To determine their attitudes towards censorship in public schools, social studies educators attending the 1981 spring State Conference of the Virginia Consortium for Social Studies Supervisors and College Educators served as subjects for this study. A thlrteen-question survey instrument was administered to determine their attitudes and each question fell into one of three categories of focus, namely: (1) academic freedom in the classroom, (2) schoolwide curriculum and instructional materials, and (3) public involvement in determining objectionable instructional materials. The survey results supported the classroom teacher’s desire for academic freedom in the use of Instructional materials. There was a split decision in the category of community and public involvement in determining objectionable instructional materials. This limited survey suggests that, on questions of academic freedom, teachers should be protected. On matters dealing with values and community involvement there was no consensus, reflecting the controversial nature of the issues.