For Immediate Release

February 7, 2007

Contact: Judith Platt
Ph: 202-220-4551
Email: jplatt@publishers.org

AAP Joins in Condemning Government Censorship of Science Regarding Global Warming

February 7, 2006, Washington, DC: The Association of American Publishers (AAP) has joined with six prominent First Amendment groups in issuing a statement condemning the suppression and distortion of information and research results of government climate scientists, and warning of the dire consequences of tampering with sound scientific method.

The statement was prompted by hearings held January 30 by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which heard testimony regarding the suppression of government scientists’ speech and writings, the suppression and distortion of research findings, and retaliatory action taken against those who protested.

The statement, which was organized by the National Coalition Against Censorship, warns that censorship of science “affronts the fundamental premises of the scientific method....Without the free exchange of ideas, science as we understand it cannot exist and progress.”  In addition, “The reported acts of suppression and distortion of scientific findings violate the compact between the government and the governed that the Constitution was designed to protect. In chilling the free speech of the scientists on critical policy questions that profoundly affect the public interest and well-being, whether it is climate change or AIDS prevention, these actions hurt the people who have a right to receive accurate, reliable and valid information about critical policy decisions.”  The statement urges vigilant Congressional oversight “to ensure that federal policy is informed by the highest quality of scientific information...”

In addition to AAP, organizations signing the statement were: the American Association of University Professors, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Library Association, the National Center for Science Education, the National Coalition Against Censorship, PEN American Center, and People for the American Way.

The Association of American Publishers is the national trade association of the U.S. book publishing industry. AAP’s approximately 300 members include most of the major commercial book publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers, university presses and scholarly societies. AAP members publish hardcover and paperback books in every field, educational materials for the elementary, secondary, post-secondary and professional markets, scholarly journals, computer software and electronic products and services.  The Association represents an industry whose very existence depends upon the free exercise of rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

To view the full statement, please click here

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