Speaking out about free speech

Fitchburg State University President Robert Antonucci makes a point during a forum on censorship at the Historical Society Wednesday night. Looking on are Sentinel & Enterprise Editor Charles St. Amand and Paula Giaquinto, assistant superintendent of curriculum and grants for the Fitchburg schools. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / JOHN LOVE

FITCHBURG -- What happens when free speech is stifled? And do people recognize it when it happens?

Those were the types of questions tackled in a panel discussion on censorship at the Fitchburg Historical Society Wednesday night. The forum showed that understanding of the issue has come a long way in the city.

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Ray Bradbury's novel, Fahrenheit 451, the Fitchburg Public Library, in conjunction with Fitchburg State University, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Rollstone Studios and the Historical Society, has held related events all month.

They included a community read of the book, a staging of the play and showings of the movie.

Moderator Shirley Wagner shares a laugh at the start of the panel discussion. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / JOHN LOVE

Wednesday night's discussion on censorship in books and the media allowed the public to hear first-hand how area professionals tackle censorship.

Questions ranged from what policies the Fitchburg Public Schools and Fitchburg State University have in place regarding censorship, to what the Sentinel & Enterprise considers in its news coverage.

Paula Giaquinto, assistant superintendent of curriculum and grants for the Fitchburg schools, said that in her 14 years in the district, she has never received a complaint from a parent or student about a book that was taught in the schools or censorship in a class.

She said the district has policies that date back to the 1980s that address controversial issues and stress the need for "free and open discussion."

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Speaking out about free speech