Sage Updates Free Collection of Research on Academic Freedom and Censorship??

With academic censorship and book bans on the rise in the U.S., Sage has updated its collection of free-to-read research highlighting the effects of academic censorship on democracy, social-emotional learning, higher education, and more. Categories in the collection include:?? 

• academic freedom?? 

• banned content?? 

• cultures in the classroom?? 

• intellectual freedom?? 

• social emotion learning?? 

Sage is also shedding light on issues surrounding academic freedom by launching a survey for faculty and librarians in higher ed to share how legislation across the US is impacting their work. Survey results will be shared in 2026.? 

Sage’s guaranteed independence means that we are free to focus on our mission and values for the long term, including supporting intellectual freedom. The Banned Books and Academic Freedom microsite is part of Sage’s larger commitment to supporting academic freedom:?? 

• Putting together a Banned Books Week webinar, which will feature authors and educators highlighting the threats to academic freedom and discussing the necessary support needed.???? 

• Commissioning a blog series from academic librarians and higher ed staff writing about the importance of academic freedom and the support they need as book bans and censorship are on the rise across the United States.? 

• Publishing Index on Censorship, a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. They publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech.?? 

• A co-sponsor of the Downs Intellectual Freedom Award, Sage celebrated the 2023 winners, the Missouri Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee (MLA IFC), for its educational programming and advocacy work in support of the right to read. MLA IFC provides free workshops covering the history of intellectual freedom, the rights of patrons, and the value of library workers and has engaged in many activities including table talks, media outreach, and more to keep proposed banned books on shelves.? 

# # #

Sage?is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.? 

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to: 

• Do more?– supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioral science make an impact 

• Work together?– building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning 

• Think long-term?– experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas