I have been monitoring the conversation regarding censorship/obscenity/

teaching practice, and have a few comments.  Dr. Jenkins (sorry, Henry,

it's a term of respect) has made many good points about teaching

"sensitive" and potentially obscene materials (in the legal sense).

However, I object to the mention made in other discussions to the

University of Iowa policy on depictions of "human sexual acts."  While

I agree that the thought and consideration that Jenkins and others put

into lesson plans is "good teaching," a problem arises in forming a policy

 about sexual, visual, and possibly explicit materials.  It seems to me that

if students object to class materials, the hue and cry is indicative of a

larger problem than the presentation of the material.

 

The incidents that have precipitated the discussion and policy at UI are

not about depictions of "human sexual acts" (whatever those might be) but

about political differences and conflicts among class members, the T.A.

s included.  Such conflicts should be handled through the established

channels regarding student complaints.  Instead of censuring the T.A. for

presenting the materials, wouldn't it be more appropriate (in a setting of

"higher" education) for a senior faculty member (read, advisor) to talk

with the T.A. and perhaps the offended student(s), evaluate the situation,

and then take appropriate measures?  In this way, the T.A., the student, and

even the advisor could all benefit from the situation.  No additional

policy would have to be formed, as complaints could be handled through the

normal channels.  Such an approach to this "problem" would not produce a

chilling effect (which is now a reality at UI) and would increase

understanding and communication.

 

As my colleague R. Hurst has proposed in the last few days, this hullabaloo

is a symptom of a larger problem, and should be treated as such.  Conflicts

about explicit materials can be an opportunity for learning and should not

be silenced with a policy like the Iowa Regent's.

 

As an update, the Iowa Board of Regents has rejected a compromise policy

from the faculty senate.  The policy still stands.

 

Sharon Jones

University of Iowa

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