In recent years, college campuses have become hotbeds of political activism, particularly around issues related to social justice and identity politics. However, one area that has been largely overlooked is the role of libraries in this environment. Libraries are often seen as neutral spaces where all viewpoints can be represented without judgment, but this may no longer be the case. One example of this shift was in the late 1980s and early '90s when campus protests over Hustler magazine's presence in university libraries made headlines. This essay will explore how these protests affected library accessibility and the impact they had on academic freedom.
The controversy surrounding Hustler began in 1985 when Flynt published an issue featuring a cartoon depicting Jerry Falwell having sex with his mother. Falwell sued for libel and won, leading to Flynt's imprisonment. As a result, he became more outspoken about free speech rights, arguing that even unpopular or offensive ideas should be protected under the First Amendment.
Flynt's views on censorship resonated with many students who saw the magazine as a form of self-expression and artistic expression. They argued that universities were suppressing their right to read what they wanted, even if it was offensive or politically incorrect. In response, several student groups organized sit-ins and petition drives demanding that libraries remove Hustler from their collections.
University administrators faced a dilemma: Should they allow students to have access to material that some deemed obscene? On the one hand, allowing Hustler would violate institutional standards and risk damaging the university's reputation. On the other hand, denying students access to it could infringe on their academic freedom. Ultimately, most universities opted for the former, citing concerns about students' well-being and institutional integrity.
Flynt responded by donating copies of Hustler to student-run publications and offering free subscriptions to campus newspapers. He framed the issue as a fight for the right to access controversial ideas—even if they involved pornography. This tactic helped him gain sympathy from some quarters but only served to highlight the divide between those who valued academic freedom and those who prioritized institutional control.
The protests over Hustler had a lasting impact on library policies across the country. Many institutions implemented new guidelines for determining which materials were appropriate for their collections, often leading to more conservative choices. However, some librarians argue that this shift has made it harder for students to learn about unpopular or challenging viewpoints.
In conclusion, the Hustler controversy highlights the complex relationship between academia and censorship. While many saw it as an attack on academic freedom, others argued that protecting students from offensive content was more important. Today, libraries continue to grapple with these issues as they balance diverse opinions and evolving social norms.