An Inclusive Litany

3/23/98

In Virginia, the Board of Trustees of the Loudon County Public Library passed a rule requiring installation of special software on computers with Internet access to block out adult-oriented Web sites. Interestingly, the board did not formulate this policy as a way to shield children from pornography, but rather to protect adults from sexual harassment. "Library pornography can create a sexually hostile environment for patrons and staff," stated the board's policy. "Permitting pornographic displays may constitute unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act."