Martha Brennan and Rebecca Slagle
Martha Brennan and Rebecca Slagle, from Louisville, KY, were named winners of the 2012 NCTE/SLATE National Intellectual Freedom Award for "demonstrating 'courage under fire' and showing persistence to 'bring truth to light' in a highly public and recognized educational setting." They have shown courage in advancing the cause of intellectual freedom or fighting censorship. Brennan and Slagle were nominated by the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English.
Honorable mention awards for 2012 will be given to the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award organization, Aurora, CO.
The National Intellectual Freedom Award is given by NCTE and a joint committee of members from the NCTE Standing Committee Against Censorship and the SLATE (Support for the Learning and Teaching of English) Steering Committee. The award will be announced on Thursday, November 15, during the Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
Affiliates of NCTE are also encouraged to recognize individuals or groups close to home for their support of intellectual freedom. The following Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Awards will be announced at the Affiliate Breakfast during the NCTE Annual Convention.
Richard Herman, Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska, nominated by the Nebraska English Language Arts Council. Richard is recognized for being a "statewide voice for Nebraska concerning academic freedom."
Randy L. Hoover, nominated by the Ohio Council Teachers of English Language Arts. Randy is recognized for his "willingness to challenge forces that threaten the empowerment of citizens."
May 1 is the deadline for nominations for the national and the affiliate intellectual freedom awards.