About FTRF - Freedom to Read Foundation – website for the Freedom to Read Foundation. Affiliated with the American Library Association. Its mission is to support the First Amendment right that libraries have to distribute information and that patrons have to access it. It explains the First Amendment, which allows expression of ideas without government interference and to access the ideas of others. FTRF helps to establish libraries as places where this right is exercised and respected. The foundation also helps to assist librarians who are in danger of losing their jobs over works that they provided. The foundation was established in 1969 and had 4 purposes in its charter: “promoting and protecting the freedom of speech and of the press; protecting the public's right of access to information and materials stored in the nation's libraries; safeguarding libraries' right to disseminate all materials contained in their collections; and supporting libraries and librarians in their defense of First Amendment rights by supplying them with legal counsel or the means to secure it.” The foundation helps in the legal processes around First Amendment cases, providing grants, and providing education on libraries and the First Amendment.
Free Expression (ABFFE) | the American Booksellers Association (bookweb.org) – website for the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. As evidenced by the name, this allows booksellers to be advocates when dealing with issues of censorship. It was founded by the American Booksellers Association in 1990. Its mission is as follows: “to promote and protect the free exchange of ideas, particularly those contained in books, by opposing restrictions on the freedom of speech; issuing statements on significant free expression controversies; participating in legal cases involving First Amendment rights; collaborating with other groups with an interest in free speech; and providing education about the importance of free expression to booksellers, other members of the book industry, politicians, the press and the public.”
Penguin to publish "classic" Roald Dahl books after "censorship" backlash - CBS News – Roald Dahl has been in the news regarding the world of censorship recently. Penguin Random House has decided to publish “classic” editions of his novels without any edits that are being deemed “controversial.” There are versions of Dahl’s stories going on sale that remove passages about weight, gender, etc. Author Salman Rushdie, who has himself been under the scrutiny of censorship tweeted “Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship.” An example of this is the character Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, who is referred to as “enormous” in place of “enormously fat” in the new edition. There was also some backlash from the queen consort Camilla, who encouraged all writers to stay true to their calling. While Dahl has become a fixture in the world of classic children’s literature, he is controversial for his antisemitism.
Roald Dahl book changes spark censorship spat - CNN Style – discusses more about the group that is pushing for the censorship. The group is called Inclusive Minds and the “sensitivity readers” are seeking to make children’s literature something that everyone can enjoy. Part of this involves changing the language, with new editions stating “Words matter. The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters. This book was written many years ago and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today." The British Newspaper The Daily Telegraph did an analysis of the changes, which included the removal of the words “black” and “white” in descriptions. Opposition to this move has been voiced by public figures, such as Salman Rushdie and the British Prime Minister, who used Dahl’s character the BFG’s assertion not to “‘gobblefunk around with words’” PEN America’s CEO has spoken out as well, stating that this move is “a purported effort to scrub the books of that which might offend someone."
James Bond censorship: Are Ian Fleming’s 007 film adaptations next for the chop? | The Independent