National Issues Forum: Boundaries of Free Speech

This brief book provides a stimulating addition to courses, and a way to engage students in critical thinking about issues. "The Boundaries of Free Speech" is a thoughtful and well illustrated overview of a major public issue which highlights three or four courses of action that could be taken, as well as arguments for and against each position. A ballot is included at the end of the book. Students check appropriate boxes on the ballot, reflecting their opinions on this issue. The ballots are mailed to National Forums Issues in Ohio and a summary report is prepared and sent to all participants as well as elected officials and policymakers working on this problem. Since 1981, when it started as an effort to engage Americans in discussion and debate about the nation's pressing public issues, the National Issues Forums has become a nation-wide consortium of community forum conveners, the largest of its kind. The most rapidly growing part of this consortium is in colleges and universities, where professors in various areas - political science and government; sociology, social problems, and public policy; economics and health; communications - have found that the NIF issues books provide a useful addition to courses. The book engages students in critical thinking about current events and may be of use as a supplement to get students involved in important issues by giving them a chance to be part of a national consortium, knowing that their opinions will be shared with elected officials and policymakers.