TUCSON SENTINEL
Kellie Mejdrich | February 24, 2012

Some Arizona legislators want Bibles in the classroom, but state teachers could find themselves punished if they bring other texts into public and charter schools.

Teachers could have their licenses revoked if they bring any supplemental books into the classroom that aren’t pre-approved by the district and posted on a website for parental view.

Many teachers say these bills are an intrusion into the classroom where local principals and school boards should keep control.

View entire article

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Benny Evangelista | February 24, 2012

Two prominent Baltimore attorneys, one who is the majority owner of that city’s baseball team, have filed a lawsuit against Facebook claiming the company spies on the Internet activities of members after they have logged off the social network.

The suit filed by Peter G. Angelos, chief executive officer of the Baltimore Orioles, and William “Billy” Murphy Jr. claims that Facebook’s actions broke several local and national privacy laws, including the federal Wiretap Act and the California Internet Privacy Requirements Act.

View entire article

ALA OIF BLOG
Jonathan Kelley | February 24, 2012

Updated information on news affecting intellectual freedom, censorship, privacy, access to information, and more.

FOX CAROLINA
Greg Funderburg | February 22, 2012

Some Upstate parents are furious about a book their kids are reading in middle school.

They say it’s too mature for their kids because of the sex. The book in question is an easy-to-read version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

It’s sold out at several local book stores, possibly because it’s required reading for many students.

FOX Carolina concealed a parent’s identity to protect their children who are reading the book in an eighth-grade Honor’s English class at Liberty Middle School in Pickens County. They say you will find graphic details while flipping through the pages.

“The book gave descriptions of male and female private parts and talked about sexual acts,” said the Liberty Middle School parent. “I couldn’t believe my child was reading this book.”

The book No Fear Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet is basically a side-by-side, easy-to-understand translation of the original play.

The Pickens County School District, and they said they’re looking into the complaints about the book.