Censors

The American Dissident
A Journal of Literature, Democracy, & Dissidence
In the Samizdat Tradition of Writing against the Machine
A Forum for Examining the Dark Side of the Academic/Literary Industrial Complex

Censors of Note

Vigorous Debate, Cornerstone of Democracy... But Not Here!
Without deviation, without exception, without any ifs, buts, or whereases, freedom of speech means that you shall not do something to people either for the views they express, or the words they speak or write.

—Chief Justice Hugo L. Black

The following are just a few examples of institutions that reject vigorous debate, cornerstone of democracy. Poets ought to be activists and particularly active in denouncing censorship in their midst. If by chance you happen to be First-Amendment ignorant like the leaders of the following organizations, why not educate yourself and break out of that mold? You could begin by reading through quotes on censorship. Click the links below to read why each of the organizations are listed on this page and obtain contact information.

—Academy of American Poets (National Poetry Month sponsors!)

—Chronicle of Higher Education (Art & Letters)

—NewPages

—Poetry Foundation

—Poetry Society of America

—Poets & Writers, Inc.