On March 9, Free Exchange coalition partner the American Library Association (ALA) issued a press release condemning Sports Illustrated for the "outrageous, patronizing and paternalistic" act of witholding this year's "Swimsuit Edition" from the nation's libraries.
The ALA rightly argued, "Not all library materials appeal to all library users, but an essential component of living in a democracy is respect for the right of individuals to choose reading materials suitable for themselves and their families."
Well, congratulations to the ALA and their supporters, as they report that "Sports Illustrated has decided to make the annual swimsuit issue available to libraries after ALA President Leslie Burger and others expressed their concerns about a decision by Time Inc., Sports Illustrated's parent company, to not mail the issue to institutional subscribers."
While some may view this particular issue of SI as unfit for public libraries, it is exactly that patronizing attitude which leads to banned books and other misguided attempts to limit academic freedom.
Who says protecting free expression isn't sexy?