A legislator who has opposed censorship legislation. The permission of the potential awardee will be obtained in advance by the chair of the judging panel. This specification acknowledges that many who act in defense of intellectual freedom remain under continued scrutiny and pressure. They sometimes choose to avoid public notice which, however, supportive, places them under further duress. Nominations with appropriate documentation must be received at the office of the NCTE Director of Affiliate and Member Services, by May 1.
Further documentation is attached.
Each state, regional, and provincial affiliate is urged to establish and implement an Intellectual Freedom Award. One award may be given annually by each state, regional, and provincial affiliate, but affiliates may choose to participate or not in any given year. All affiliate awardees will receive certificates prepared by NCTE and presented by the participating affiliate to its awardee at the event of its choice. They sometimes choose to avoid public notice which, however supportive, places them under further duress. A newspaper that supported, in an editorial, a teacher, school, or Board of Education action in defense of a challenged book, film, or educational method.