The First Amendment and the Definition of Intellectual Freedom

The First Amendment as stated in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States of America:

CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. (Ratified on December 15, 1791)

The Definition of Intellectual Freedom (American Library Association):

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored.

Read a list of quotations regarding the First Amendment, censorship, and the freedom to read on the American Library Association’s website.

For an extensive list of resources regarding intellectual freedom from the American Library Association, click here.

To report book challenges or concerns regarding censorship so these events can be added to the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom’s database, click here.