History of the FWF
PAST ACTIVITIES (as the AIW Legal and Education Fund, 1980-2005)
Legal Support—Censorship
Debbie Davis vs. Her publisher
In this case of complete censorship and suppression, LEF provided support for Debbie Davis. She wrote an unauthorized biography of the Washington Post’s Katherine Graham, Graham, disagreeing with the viewpoints of the book, used her influence to have it removed from stores and pulped. Davis was successful in her counteraction to have the book redistributed.
Opposing censorship of students
A high school student in Virginia whose story was barred from the school magazine because he used the word “virgin” was supported by LEF with legal services and the weight if the writing community. The story ran uncensored. The reinstatement of the editor of Howard University’s student paper was successfully supported by LEF increasing the visibility of the situation. The student editor had been expelled for continuing coverage of a sex discrimination case against the school
Legal Support—Prior restraint
Kitty Kelley vs. Frank Sinatra
Kitty Kelley was sued by Frank Sinatra to prevent her from writing an unauthorized biography and LEF provided financial and public support. One event was attended by more than 100 people and raised significant funds. Kelley shared a portion of the proceeds with AIW-member Jim Srodes (see below).
Legal Support—Confidentiality of sources
Srodes vs. DeLorean
Jim Srodes, author and former president of AIW, was subpoenaed to testify in California about government sources he used in writing a book about John DeLorean. Support for Srodes position that this was privileged information came from LEF, providing funds for legal counsel resulting in the overturn of the subpoena.
U.S. vs. Vanessa Leggett
Vanessa Leggett, a teacher and author in Texas, was arrested and imprisoned for refusing to surrender her investigative materials for a book on a criminal case. An amicus brief filed by LEF supported her position that she should be able to keep copies of her work.
Legal Support—Fair compensation
Gigi Pickford vs. The Washingtonian
This case provided the impetus for the formation of the AIW Freedom to Write Fund. It involved a story first published in The Washingtonian, then reprinted by the Baltimore Washingtonian without additional compensation to its author, Gigi Pickford.
Treasury Department Writers
LEF supported the U.S. Treasury Department Union in a successful law suit enabling union members to be paid for freelance work.
Educational Issues and the Law
Survey of regional ordnances
A survey of all regional ordinances that affect writers who work at home was implemented by LEF. This clarified the legal restrictions on independent writers and uncovered some protection for writers in certain jurisdictions.
