OpenCola and the 'Copy Left' Movement

The Science of Censorship

John Borowski, a science teacher in Philomath, Oregon, described in our May/June 2001 issue how industry front groups like the Greening Earth Society and the Temperate Forest Foundation had come to dominate the annual National Science Teachers Convention, circulating teaching materials designed to counter environmental education initiatives. 'Their objective is simple: protect industries that despoil the planet and put the brakes on the emergence of environmental awareness among young people,' he wrote.

His criticism sparked a campaign by the Native Forest Council to expose the industry front groups and their propaganda. The campaign, called Children for an Honest Education, was set to launch this March at the giant National Science Teachers Convention in San Diego. But Gerald Wheeler, executive director of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), which sponsors the convention, moved quickly to censor any criticism of corporate exhibitors. In a February 20 letter to Native Forest Council president Tim Hermach, Wheeler wrote that NSTA had received complaints about Borowski's remarks and told Hermach he and his organization would not be allowed to make any 'adverse comments' about other exhibitors or distribute any critical literature.