Adopted by the Connecticut Library Association 2001


WHEREAS, the recently enacted Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) by Congress mandating that libraries and schools install and use content filtering software on public Internet computers as a prerequisite for receiving federal funds, including LST A and E-rate funds; and

WHEREAS, the recently enacted Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) mandates the adoption of a prescriptive Internet safety policy that undermines local control for recipients of E-rate discounts; and

WHEREAS, the Commission on Online Protection (COPA) appointed to study child safety on the Internet, concluded that filters are not effective in blocking all content that some may find objectionable, but do block much useful and constitutionally protected information; and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Library Association passed a "Statement on Internet Filtering" on March 11, 1999 which supports the principle of open, free and unrestricted access to information and ideas, regardless of the format in which they appear; and

WHEREAS, no filtering software successfully differentiates constitutionally protected speech from illegal speech on the Internet; and

WHEREAS, public libraries are an important and crucial source of Internet accessible information for all users, but especially for any citizens of Connecticut who do not have access to the Internet from a home or office computer; and

WHEREAS, Connecticut librarians already collaborate with parents and caregivers to help children utilize the Internet safely and wisely at all times; and

WHEREAS, Connecticut libraries and librarians are partners with parents and work to help their communities become information literate by teaching them to access, evaluate and use information; and

Whereas, the Connecticut Library Association recommends that local libraries adopt and implement Internet use policies; and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Library Association decided to become a plaintiff for the American Civil Liberties Union in an action opposing this legislation; and

WHEREAS, the American Library Association has resolved to challenge the constitutionally of CIPA and NCIPA in federal court; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Connecticut Library Association endorses and supports the American Library Association in its legal challenge to the constitutionality of the CIPA and NCIPA mandated filters for public and school libraries.

Unanimously endorsed by the Connecticut Library Association Executive Board of Directors 2001.