Charles Levendosky

In the following viewpoint, Charles Levendosky maintains that libraries should not regulate Internet access. Using filtering software to protect children from online pornography blocks access to legitimate websites that adult patrons might want to visit, he contends. Levendosky adds that such regulation infringes on patrons’ right to freedom of speech and is therefore unconstitutional. Charles Levendosky is the editorial page editor of the Casper (Wyoming) Star-Tribune and has a national reputation for First Amendment commentary.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. To what old high school ritual does Levendosky compare Loudoun County Library’s Internet policy?
2. What does Levendosky identify as the main problem with X-Stop filtering software?
3. What are some of the websites that X-Stop has blocked, according to the author"

Seldom does one get a peek into the constricted heart...