Children's Books discussion
Banned Books: discussions, lists
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Discussion of censorship, equity, and other concerns.
This is stupid. It's free, voluntary and obviously NOT an official library so why the fuss especially in Chicago? There are LFLs in parks around here. I don't think anyone is confused or concerned.________________________
Got A Permit For That Little Free Library? Council To Vote On Plan To Regulate Book Shelves
http://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/3...
Ald. Andre Vasquez wore a Little Free Library Halloween costume to City Hall to poke fun at Ald. Ray Lopez’s “ridiculous” ordinance, which would regulate the bookcases when built on city land.
A measure to regulate where Chicagoans can build public bookcases such as Little Free Libraries is expected to face a City Council vote Wednesday, almost a month after it was delayed.
Introduced this summer by Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th), the ordinance would require a public way use permit to build a free library on city-owned property. Little Free Libraries are often placed on city parkways outside their owners’ homes.
The proposed legislation also stipulates only “organizations, not-for-profit entities and licensed businesses” would be eligible to receive the necessary permit to build a bookcase on city land.
Private individuals would not be allowed to build such structures on public property at all, Lopez said. Libraries on private property, like a front yard, would not be impacted.
Lopez introduced the legislation after hearing complaints about the bookcases proliferating in his ward without awareness from homeowners, he said. The ordinance would help “protect” the libraries by granting them permissions to sit on public land, he said.
“It’s a completely unregulated section of city code. So, like everything else that’s on a public way, if we’re going to allow this and we’re going to encourage this, let’s make sure we’re doing it in the right and safe way,” he told Block Club. “What this ordinance does is just basically creates a permit that will serve as a way of registering these in the public way.”
Chicago law requires public way permits for various uses of city land, including signs, benches, bicycle racks and more.
Owners of the libraries who receive a public way permit will be required to “paint, plainly mark, or otherwise affix the permit number and the permit holder’s name, address and telephone number on the outside of each public bookcase,” according to the ordinance.
The permits will be free for qualifying organizations and businesses, Lopez said.
The bookcase measure passed unanimously and without discussion during a brief meeting of the City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Public Way on Oct. 3.
But before the ordinance came up for a vote at a full Council meeting the following day, Alds. Daniel La Spata (1st) and Maria Hadden (49th) moved to block the legislation, leaving it open for the council to vote on later.
Now, Lopez has filed a measure to bring the ordinance up for a vote during Wednesday’s full Council meeting.
“This is simply about legalizing it, protecting them on the parkway. Because as of right now, anything that’s on the parkway that doesn’t belong there can be removed, and we’re not trying to remove them,” Lopez said.
On top of La Spata and Hadden’s move to block the legislation this month, Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) has also opposed the measure, so much so that he dressed up as a Little Free Library on Tuesday for Halloween.
Holding a piece of paper that read “City Permit DENIED,” Vasquez called the ordinance “ridiculous” during a brief interview Tuesday.
“The reason it got to a vote at committee was because we had recessed from the budget to go into transportation, it took all of 20 minutes. It was kind of bundled with everything else, which is why it made it this far,” Vasquez said. “But clearly, I think this is a solution in search of a problem.”
Earlier this month, Nancy Wulkan, founder of Neighbor to Neighbor Literacy Project, which installs Little Free Libraries across Chicago, also told Block Club she was concerned about the ordinance.
There are some positives about the additional regulations, like clarifying who is responsible for the maintenance of each public bookcase, Wulkan said. But Lopez’s ordinance could ultimately limit literacy access across Chicago, she said.
“Embrace, don’t exclude, everyday Chicagoans with grit and determination to build stronger, connected communities. Rather than adding barriers to these projects, Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council members should consider helping residents establish and maintain book-sharing boxes with support from city government,” Wulkan wrote in a later letter published in the Tribune.
Existing Little Free Libraries built by private individuals on city parkways could potentially be grandfathered in if his ordinance passes, but that it would be up to the Chicago Department of Transportation to make that determination, Lopez said Tuesday.
Sarah Maas' 'A Court of Frost and Starlight' Banned by North Carolina Library BoardAn advisory board for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district told The Daily Beast while it was banning the Sarah J. Maas book from libraries it would still be available online.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/bestsel...
“The Central Media Advisory Committee met this morning to address appeals to three books: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, and Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen,” the committee told The Daily Beast in a statement. “As a result of this meeting and much discussion, the Committee voted to retain Tricks and Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts). While the committee voted to remove the physical copies of A Court of Frost and Starlight, it supports student access to the digital version of the text through ONE Access, a partnership with the CM Public Library. Parents may opt out if they do not want their students to access the title that way.”
The decision came after the committee received a complaint from a parent who objected to the “adult themes and sexual content” in the book,
A favorite on TikTok’s “BookTok” community, the series has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, and been translated into 37 languages, according to Bloomsbury. A Hulu TV adaptation is in development.
Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read project at PEN America, said millions of readers enjoy Maas’ work.
“It’s disheartening that now, thousands of North Carolina students—in one of the nation’s largest school districts—will be deprived of her writing,” Meehan said. “In a climate that continues to see more and more books banned, a decision to ban even a single book is distressing.”
In response to the efforts to ban Maas’ books, fans have taken to social media in the last year to support her.
Brooke Weiss, the head of the Mecklenburg County chapter of conservative activist group Moms for Liberty, and mother of a child at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, filed at least five complaints against specific books, the station found.
“It is a very popular series that is written for adults, and that is what the committee’s decision was based on,” Weiss told the Daily Beast in an email. “It is too s____lly explicit and mature for an educational setting. They acknowledged the books in the series are available in the public library and they are not ‘banning’ the book. So, I am not sure why I have been relentlessly attacked and labeled as a book banner for three years straight when all I asked for was exactly what they decided to do today.”
[It's a NEW ADULT series, written for teens and young adults and Ms. Weiss's complaints come straight from Moms for Liberty which should raise red flags with the district!]
As well as A Court of Frost and Starlight, Weiss took aim at four other titles: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult; Sold by Patricia McCormick; Tricks by Ellen Hopkins; and Jack of Hearts by L.C. Rosen.
She regrets nothing: A Q&A with fired Saline County, Arksanas librarian Patty HectorShe was fired for doing her job. The censors came for the books without proper procedure and she was still fired!
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/20...
The impact book bans can have on youth mental healthDr. Bashe of New Directions Mental Health says banning any book can have a detrimental impact on a young person's mental health when you cut off having the ability to have access to literature that features people who look like you, feel like you, and experience the world like you do.
Dr. Bashe says that often the books at the center of the firestorm are those that feature people who are marginalized and already at risk for negative mental health consequences due to their experiences with discrimination.
Dr. Bashe says that because many of the books are focused on marginalized groups, women, ethnic, racial, and gender identity issues, she says eliminating the books further marginalizes those groups when those books have the potential to help them better understand their lives.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/ne...
Athens, Georgia Athenians discuss the impact of LGBTQ+ banned books on communities
https://www.redandblack.com/athensnew...
“Libraries and schools are such an important place for LGBTQ+ teens to be able to find those books that speak to their own experiences,” Mikey LaFave, a full-time bookseller and book club moderator at Avid Bookshop, said.
According to LaFave, book bans are mostly affecting teens. This includes not only LGBTQ+ students but also those that could gain a larger worldview from reading these books.
“They’re not being opened up to that particular realm of culture or the world, and that’s really scary to see,” LaFave said.
Marissa Chastain, vice president of Athens Pride and Queer Collective, said that banning LGBTQ+ books is a dangerous pathway to erasure, and communities need to tell these stories in order to progress as a nation and as an education system.
“I think anytime we restrict access to history and to lived experience, it is going to negatively impact our progress,” Chastain said.
According to Chastain, communities always need to be looking back at people who have paved the way thus far, and removing stories from libraries and systems that children can access limits the ability to do that.
LaFave said that for those who feel like they are the only members of the LGBTQ+ community in their area, having their story represented and knowing an author out there has experienced the same thing as them is significant.
Chastain said that it’s critical for youth, who aren't in control of what they have access to, to have these resources. According to him, these stories help them understand their identity and know that they are not alone.
“We know that affirmation for queer populations, especially for queer youth, is not only life changing, it is life saving,” Chastain said.
AlabamaLee County GOP passes resolution condemning 'obscene, sexually explicit' library books
The Lee County Republican Party recently joined the growing list of local Republican chapters passing resolutions condemning state libraries' inclusion of sexually explicit books and material designed to "indoctrinate."
https://1819news.com/news/item/lee-co...
With Tuesday being election day, the censors are redoubling their efforts to control what people think.Texas-
Brenham ISD pulls 32 books from high school library after resident complaints
The district established a reconsideration committee to evaluate each title.
https://www.kbtx.com/2023/11/02/brenh...
TWO residents- TWO!
The Brenham High School library pulled 32 books from circulation after two residents raised concerns about their content during an Oct. 16 board of trustees meeting.
The titles will undergo a formal review process to decide whether or not they’ll be allowed back on library shelves.
Brenham residents Brit and Eddie Colanter asked for the review during the public comment portion of last month’s meeting. The two say the books contain material that is inappropriate for high school students.
The Colanters are no longer Brenham ISD parents, but they live in the district and say they have a responsibility to intervene.
[[book:Lucky|82970] is a memoir of something horrific that happened to the author and should be told in graphic language so readers understand what (view spoiler) ]
In a press release shared Tuesday, the district said their policy is to remove books from circulation while they’re being reviewed. Several documents posted to Brenham ISD’s website say books should not be removed while under reconsideration. Their Library Policy Manual encourages readers to return and check out other materials if they find a book offensive, however, the district’s Instructional Resources policy clearly allows for the removal of materials deemed vulgar or without educational suitability.
The HS's lead librarian, Charlotte Polk, and the high school campus librarian, Gwen Waller, in collaboration with the district’s Executive Director of Leading and Learning, Christine Johnson, have established a reconsideration committee. The committee, in accordance with their library policy, includes a school library media specialist, a teacher, a school administrator, and a member of the community. This committee will thoroughly review the concerns presented, conduct an evaluation, and inform the librarians of their decision. Per the library policy the committee is allotted fifteen school days per book to review, and has to read each book in its entirety.
Book bans backfiring? Study reveals increased readership for prohibited booksThe study was conducted by professors at Carnegie Mellon University and George Mason University and found that banned books saw a 12 % increase in circulation at libraries that did not have restrictions.
https://wjla.com/news/local/study-rev...
Not sure this is true. What I'm hearing is new authors aren't making any money from their books because no one is buying them.
Follow-up to the school in Canada removing all books written before 2008I still think this is stupid. My school library had old books- the classics which I loved reading over and over again. Do all of them hold up? no. Should they be cancelled? no. They help readers understand the mindset of the people of the past. Quit censoring the language in more popular books to and teach kids history and how to read critically and think about things. Adding new books that are relevant and requested by modern kids is an excellent plan too but don't throw out all the old books.
Here's the story
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...
How teacher librarians interpreted GTA school board's controversial book-weeding process
Peel District School Board says it's now focused on replenishing its libraries
The four teacher librarians CBC Toronto spoke to all said they support removing books that could cause harm to students. But their interpretations of the new process illustrate how miscommunication likely led to an inconsistent approach to weeding school collections.
Two of the educators thought the process was unclear, rushed, and left them feeling pressured to weed out a large number of books they say they haven't received enough funding to replace. While others, like Evelyn Reford, said the process was straightforward and they got most of the money they asked for to buy new books.
"We were told to use our professional judgment," said Reford. "If nobody's reading it then get rid of it."
For example, she says she'd never weed out Diary of a Wimpy Kid — which was published before 2008 — because it's so popular with her students at Green Glade Senior Public School in Mississauga.
Another teacher librarian shared similar sentiments. They thought the instructions were clear, but they were disappointed the in-person training sessions weren't mandatory for principals so that everyone was on the same page about what that the teacher librarian considers a valuable new weeding process.
The two other teacher librarians say they were told the weeding was primarily based on publication date, unless circulation data showed the book was very popular with students.
"We would have to defend [keeping] it," said the first of those teacher librarians. "They weren't giving us a lot of leeway."
But the two teacher librarians who weeded their libraries using the 2008 publication date criteria alongside circulation data, both say they struggled with removing some titles.
"The hardest part was some of the non-fiction books, like some of the animal books," said the first teacher librarian.
"I didn't quite understand why I had to get rid of those."
That teacher librarian weeded out roughly 20 per cent of their collection and the second teacher librarian removed more than half of their library's books.
Bernadette Smith, superintendent with the board's innovation and research department, says the messaging to teacher librarians was not to just get rid of books published before 2008 unless they were popular.
Instead, she says, those were factors to be considered alongside: board priorities, affirming student identities and the widely used "MUSTIE'' acronym from Canadian School Libraries. The letters stand for criteria librarians are supposed to consider, and they include:
Misleading – information may be factually inaccurate or obsolete.
Unpleasant – refers to the physical condition of the book, may require replacement.
Superseded – book been overtaken by a new edition or a more current resource.
Trivial – of no discernible literary or scientific merit; poorly written or presented.
Irrelevant – doesn't meet the needs and interests of the library's community.
Elsewhere – the book or the material in it may be better obtained from other sources.
"If there is a book on animals and it fits any one of the criteria … then the professional judgment of that teacher librarian will kick in, as well as conversations with colleagues, with the administration, and the decision is made," said Smith, in an interview.
"If we want our resources to be reflective and current and relevant, it's not about the quantity of books, it's about the quality."
The PDSB is no longer moving forward with the next step of its new weeding process after being told to stop by Education Minister Stephen Lecce last month.
Step 2, the anti-racist and inclusion audit, would have seen staff review books to make sure they don't "perpetuate or reinforce racist content, stereotypes or promote deficit-thinking."
Instead, the board says it will concentrate on buying new books.
"Despite potential cutbacks and drawbacks, really what this has done is highlighted the importance of maintaining fulsome libraries," said Paul Da Silva, associate director for school improvement and equity.
"So we're committed to doing that."
Even though the board's anti-racist and inclusive audit has been cancelled, Smith says teacher librarians are expected to continue weeding books as they normally do each year — but now through an equity lens.
"We want to ensure that when a student picks up a book that it's not causing harm, it's not representing a group of people in an offensive way or a misrepresented way," she said.
CBC Toronto asked Lecce's office whether this approach is in line with the education minister's direction and if the PDSB has fulfilled the requirements of Directive 18.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the education minister's office reiterated its direction to the board.
"Our expectation going forward is that the Peel District School Board use common sense to add material to their libraries that reflects the diversity of their community while maintaining their existing classic Canadian literature and historical novels," said spokesperson Isha Chaudhuri.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...
They don't quit in Alabama. Cullman county commissioner wants LGBTQ books out of public libraries
https://www.al.com/news/2023/11/cullm...
Krysti Shallenberger, who’s part of a group that fights library censorship, spoke with Cullman County commissioners about their stance on books after all five commissioners signed a petition to withdraw from the American Library Association in September.
That petition they signed had been offered up by Clean Up Alabama (CUA), a group behind the majority of book challenges, according to the Cullman Tribune.
“One of our commissioners, Garry Marchman, openly said he wants all LGBTQ books out of the library,” Shallenberger recently told AL.com, describing the conversation as a tense argument. Shallenberger’s a member of Read Freely Alabama (RFA), which opposes book challenges that target LGBTQ, Black, and other minority communities.
But in an interview Wednesday with AL.com, Marchman said he won’t waver from his stance. He said he’s received more calls of support from constituents, who “have the same feeling I do.” Even though Marchman said he loves members of his family who are LGBTQ, he said, “I’m not going to condone that lifestyle, because it’s a matter of my faith.” Marchman said young children shouldn’t have access to these books.
Interim library director Josephine Harrington said the majority of their catalog comes specifically from community requests, including the LGBTQ community, and that most of the complaints have come from people who don’t use the library regularly. She added how “astounded” she was at the “massive Christian fiction section.”
“The fact that these items are on the shelves means someone in our community does want to read these items,” Harrington said. “So we are representing that aspect of our community by providing these.”
According to the submitted reconsideration forms, the primary reason Arnette wanted the books to be removed or placed “behind the counter for parents’ request” was because they “contain alternate sexualities.” Arnette noted the back cover of “Prince & Knight” said, “Proceeds go to accelerating LGBTQ acceptance.”
Interim library director Josephine Harrington grew up in a Christian household, said she wasn’t surprised by the board’s decision because they’re supporters of the library and “trust that the librarians here know what we’re doing when we order the books.”
Shallenberger said moving books to different library sections is discrimination based on religious and political views. The library board agreed that allowing changes based on personal beliefs “could open the door to a lot worse.”
“Where does it stop?” Shallenberger asked. “Where is that red line?
Marchman said he doesn’t believe in having sex before marriage. When asked if he supported having books in the library that feature heterosexual sexual relationships, he said that it depends on the age.
“I think we should all be educated about our bodies and the way they’re supposed to function, maybe things that are pleasant to a woman and pleasant to a man and stuff like that,” Marchman said. “And I think these things should be taught, but I don’t think they should be taught in the public library. I think they need to be taught at home.”
Regarding race, Marchman said he didn’t have a problem with these books.
Shallenberger said there’s a misconception that RFA comprises people with liberal political viewpoints. The group includes conservatives, progressives, and those with varying religious beliefs. She said no one likes being told how to parent their children.
Those who challenge books based on personal beliefs think, “You don’t know how to parent your child,” Shallenberger said. “Therefore, we are telling you how to parent your child by taking these books out because we think they’re not appropriate for your child.”
Even in California, where the governor signed an anti-book banning bill...Fresno County supervisor introduces proposal to check children's books at libraries
https://abc30.com/childrens-sections-...
A new proposal from a Fresno County supervisor would give parents more control over the books featured in children's sections.
"This is not about trying to isolate people or divide people," said Steve Brandau, Fresno County District 2 Supervisor.
Brandau held a press conference Thursday morning announcing his proposed legislation, the Parents Matter Act for Fresno County Libraries.
If passed, it would create new policies and oversight regarding books with sexual content and other age-inappropriate materials found in the children's sections.
He says the act has been in the works since June after a concerned father reached out. [one? Just one? ]
Brandau had large prints of pages and a stack of books to show and read from.
"'What does it even mean to be a boy or a girl? Or to be one or the other. Can't we be both, neither?' Question the parents, so this book is very political," Brandau said while reading from a book.
He made it clear the legislation would not ban any of the books, it would just remove them from the children's section.
Shelby O'Connor, a mother of 3-year-old twins, says it would give her peace of mind.
"I don't want to have to take my kids to the library and they run off like they typically do, they both pull books and I am helping one, and then I turn around and the other one has one with pictures that should not be here," explained O'Connor.
Not everyone agrees with the proposed changes or the committee Brandau says would be created to help oversee books for the kids section.
Jennifer Cruz with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center feels the changes would mean less representation on the shelves.
"They want to, not ban but somehow alter...we have paid master's degree level library science people reviewing books of what section things belong in," said Cruz.
"Kids go to libraries because they can't afford Barnes and Noble, and they need to see books that represent them."
A spokesperson with the Fresno County Public Libraries says that until the matter is voted on, they have no comment about the proposed legislation or how the library selects books for the children's sections.
This Libs of TikTok person needs to be arrested and banned from social media permanently. And yes included in a directory of extremists! It is sad the ADL caved in to her threats.https://www.advocate.com/news/adl-rem...
https://www.mediamatters.org/libs-tik...
The Anti-Defamation League has temporarily removed Chaya Raichik and her anti-LGBTQ+ Libs of TikTok account from its “Glossary of Extremism.”
The Friday decision came after Raichik’s demand to expunge her name from the glossary, a move she publicly announced on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Earlier in the week, Raichik had threatened the organization with unspecified legal action if it didn’t remove her from the glossary before Tuesday.
The ADL confirmed the temporary removal to The Advocate. A spokesperson for the organization explained, “While we maintain any potential litigation is meritless, we have temporarily removed the entry from our Glossary of Extremism while we continue to review the matter. Other material reflective of Libs of TikTok’s odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”
The Advocate also obtained a letter sent from the ADL’s chief legal officer, Steven Sheinberg, to Raichik via X direct message, part of which read:
“I understand that you have expressed concerns about your inclusion in the ADL Glossary of Extremism and have threatened legal action.
"As a preliminary matter, we disagree with your assertions that ADL has done anything defamatory or otherwise harmful to you. Our reporting and opinions are constitutionally protected, reflect your status as a public figure and are accurate.
"At the same time, we are not immune to criticism of our work, and take such feedback into consideration. Indeed, the Glossary of Extremism is an evolving resource and one we are presently reviewing in terms of brand, substance, and function including examining the mechanics of how materials are recommended to users. As a result, we will temporarily remove Libs of TikTok from the Glossary.
"This is not an endorsement of your body of writing and other material reflective of your odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”
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Libs of TikTok Temporarily Removed From ADL's Glossary of Extremism Amid Threats
chaya raichik libs of tiktok founder protesters at Anti-Defamation League rally hold fighting hate signsIMAGES: YOUTUBE @BERELSOLOMON; FACEBOOK @ADLORG
The removal of the anti-LGBTQ+ Libs of TikTok account and its owner Chaya Raichik follows a string of controversies over her bigoted rhetoric.
CHRISTOPHER WIGGINS
OCTOBER 30 2023 10:44 AM EST
The Anti-Defamation League has temporarily removed Chaya Raichik and her anti-LGBTQ+ Libs of TikTok account from its “Glossary of Extremism.”
The Friday decision came after Raichik’s demand to expunge her name from the glossary, a move she publicly announced on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Earlier in the week, Raichik had threatened the organization with unspecified legal action if it didn’t remove her from the glossary before Tuesday.
In a post announcing her removal from the list on X, Raichik proclaimed, “BREAKING: The ADL finally caved after immense pressure and threats of legal action and REMOVED my name from their Glossary of Extremism!”
She added, “Just goes to show that the ADL knows I’m not a violent extremist. The decision to put me on their ‘Glossary of Extremism’ was all political theater. They’re a propaganda tool of the radical Left and they went too far with this.”
The ADL confirmed the temporary removal to The Advocate. A spokesperson for the organization explained, “While we maintain any potential litigation is meritless, we have temporarily removed the entry from our Glossary of Extremism while we continue to review the matter. Other material reflective of Libs of TikTok’s odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”
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The Advocate also obtained a letter sent from the ADL’s chief legal officer, Steven Sheinberg, to Raichik via X direct message, part of which read:
“I understand that you have expressed concerns about your inclusion in the ADL Glossary of Extremism and have threatened legal action.
"As a preliminary matter, we disagree with your assertions that ADL has done anything defamatory or otherwise harmful to you. Our reporting and opinions are constitutionally protected, reflect your status as a public figure and are accurate.
"At the same time, we are not immune to criticism of our work, and take such feedback into consideration. Indeed, the Glossary of Extremism is an evolving resource and one we are presently reviewing in terms of brand, substance, and function including examining the mechanics of how materials are recommended to users. As a result, we will temporarily remove Libs of TikTok from the Glossary.
"This is not an endorsement of your body of writing and other material reflective of your odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”
An ADL spokesperson declined to clarify how long the review would take or what other organizations had been temporarily removed.
...
Far-right influencers and followers of the Libs of TikTok account celebrated Raichik’s removal from the glossary, seeing it as a win for her and a legitimization of the anti-LGBTQ+ tone with which she engages her audience.
Before Raichik was removed from the ADL’s glossary, the organization described her and her social media account as “a popular anti-LGBTQ+ twitter account operated by former real estate agent Chaya Raichik. The account, which has over 1.3 million followers as of August 2022, attempts to generate outrage and stoke anti-LGBTQ+ hostility by reposting selected out-of-context social media content created by LGBTQ+ people and liberals. The individuals, events and organizations targeted by the account are frequent targets of harassment, threats and violence,” according to an archived version of the ADL’s “Glossary of Extremism.” After Raichik posted misinformation about gender-affirming care at Boston’s Children’s Hospital last fall, the medical center received bomb threats.
More recently, schools around the country received continued bomb threats after Raichik spotlighted them on Libs of TikTok. Raichik’s content has been severely criticized for perpetuating hateful narratives against transgender individuals and promoting targeted harassment.
Experts like Juliette Kayyem from Harvard’s Kennedy School have recognized the dangerous intersection of online hate and real-world violence as stochastic terrorism, a term that has been employed to describe the relationship between the online posts and the threats that follow.
More from Alabama where they want to set everyone back 100+ years. What's next? Bringing back the Comstock Laws?Clean Up Alabama hosts roundtable in Prattville
The discussion continued the group’s trend of focusing on children’s books containing “gender ideology.”
Although a roundtable usually means numerous perspectives are involved, Thursday’s panel included two Clean Up Alabama leaders, 1819 News president Bryan Dawson and local pastor Daniel Weierbach.
ALGOP chairman John Wahl, who also serves on the executive board of the Alabama Public Library Service, had originally been advertised as part of the panel, but he did not attend Thursday.
While multiple city councils in the state have said it is the library board’s role to decide where to shelve books—including Prattville, Fairhope and others—APR is not aware of any library boards passing the buck on to the city council. In fact, members of Prattville’s library board repeatedly voiced opposition to the council usurping that power.
https://www.alreporter.com/2023/11/03...
And even more from AlabamaAlabamians react to public library service leaving the American Library Association
https://www.al.com/news/2023/11/alaba...
Library advocacy organization Read Freely Alabama (RFA) said in a statement they understood that Ivey threatened to pull library funding but were still “deeply disappointed” and believe separating content is censorship.
“It is essential to note that books in our libraries are already separated into appropriate age categories, even if some parents disagree with the points of view expressed in some books,” RFA said in the statement. “There are no books with s___ually explicit content in the children’s sections of Alabama libraries.”
RFA noted that the ALA isn’t a governing body but a professional association.
“The library transcends the association, and we are confident that library professionals will adhere to the tenets of constitutional librarianship, with or without the ALA.”
North Shelby library director Kate Etheredge said in an email she’s disheartened by this decision and that ALA’s Library Bill of Rights is “a plain-text explanation of the First Amendment when viewed through a library lens.”
“We can change our policy wording to remove ALA, but the guiding principles of the First Amendment would remain the same,” Etheredge, a member of the ALA, said. “Public libraries exist to provide information and access to all. We do not censor. We do not promote. We make a variety of information and services available and ask our patrons to respect that differences exist among us.”
Etheredge said moving books will “create a barrier to access” for library patrons and create a “slippery slope where each successive patron who feels a book is controversial would also need to be accommodated, and their beliefs may not be the same as the initial group.”
Alyx Kim-Yohn, a circulation manager at the Madison branch of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, is “tired of dancing around the issue of content, namely the conflation of LGBTQ+ and anti-racist content with ‘s___ually explicit’ and ‘inappropriate’ content,” they said in an email.
Conservative interest group Eagle Forum, in a statement, commended the people who “stood against obscene graphic illustrations and agenda driven literature in children’s sections of our libraries.” The group said withdrawing from the ALA was “a step in the right direction” and hopes libraries follow Pack’s recommendations.
“We are hopeful that future library selections will include classic children’s literature which has uplifted and instructed generations of Americans while upholding such timeless values as truth, honesty, beauty, loyalty, love, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control,” said president Eunie Smith. She added children should be “engaged, enthralled, inspired and instructed” with content that’s age appropriate and follows the Golden Rule.
[hmm instructed? Yet they claim the books they don't like are instructing children so which is it? Should books instruct or not instruct? Whose values matter more? ]
Sounds like these students weren't taught the novel in context or even when it takes place. It's set in the 1930s not the Civil Rights era for one thing, so no that word would not be condemned. It was in widespread usage at the time. And yes teachers should have shut down the kids saying that word out loud. It shows what life was like in that place and time. I'm not sure I'd teach it to a class wholly made up of students of African descent but I'd sure as heck teach it to a high school class of students of all colors. https://www.washingtonpost.com/educat...
I went to the library book sale at the end of the day on the last day and filled a bag of books banned in Florida. I'll be sending them to a community partner to ensure they get in the hands of the kids who need them. When I told the library volunteer, she was so pleased. She kept saying "Good for you! Good for you!" She couldn't believe some of the books banned. She told me a new one... a book on graphic design. I thought probably because a keyword search had picked up graphic or some such nonsense, like the author whose last name is gay. I got some goodies
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret a beautiful leather bound diary type edition
The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie tie-in edition
My Sisters Keeper movie tie-in edition
The Gold-Threaded Dress by Carolyn Marsden (on the Duval County list)
This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work
Seedfolks (also partially banned in Charlottesville, Virginia)
two Shakespeare plays
Friday Night Lights (Banned then Unbanned in Mason City Community School District Iowa)
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story (
Banned then unbanned in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas)
I saw a few more on Friday but after buying Anne Frank and two Harry Potter books for me and getting 3 circulating books, I couldn't carry everything so I left them there and they were gone today.
Good news but this never should have happened!Kentucky
Boyle County Schools returning books banned in response to SB 150
More than 100 books were removed from library shelves in Boyle County Schools. Superintendent Mark Wade said it was in compliance with Senate Bill 150, the controversial bill that bans gender-affirming health care for minors and prohibits teachings on gender and sexuality in the classroom.
After the removal, the Kentucky Department of Education Officials released a statement that SB 150 did not provide for the removal of library media resources from a school library.
Boyle County Schools announced on Friday that in response to KDE’s statement, they will be recirculating the banned books.
https://www.wkyt.com/2023/11/03/boyle...
Book Riot and EveryLibrary have teamed up to execute a series of surveys exploring parental perceptions of librarieshttps://literaryactivism.substack.com...
92% feel their children are safe at the public library, and most parents (66%) report not having their child borrow a book that made them uncomfortable.
Thse within the subset of being unaware of how librarians selected materials for the collection were more likely than the full group to say book banning was not an issue important to them (45% of the subset vs. 36% of the full survey). In other words, people who don't know how librarians select books are more likely not to care about book bans.
More of the subset believed children should never have access to books with LGBTQ+ characters than the overall survey. But they do not go that strongly on other topics; indeed, they are slightly more permissive about books covering race and racism and about equal when it comes to books on sex ed and puberty. Indeed, more of the responses from the subset fell into the middle school and high school categories rather than at earlier ages.
But if this group is more representative of non-partisan politics, it's curious how the far-right talking points about LGBTQ+ books — and, by extension, people — are effective. That is something to be especially worried about. People who do not know how books get onto shelves in libraries are less likely to have library cards, more likely to never have experienced their child borrow material that made them or their child uncomfortable, and yet they're more likely to say no one under 18 should ever have access to age-appropriate books with LGBTQ+ characters. That's characters, not content.
The subset was also more likely to say LGBTQ+ books have a negative impact on young people than the overall survey.
Of those who do not know how librarians select books, 40% think that books with LGBT+ characters have a negative impact on children. If the full survey's 32% with this opinion were chilling, this is even more so. Indeed, in every category except for books about puberty and sexual education, this subset was more likely to judge the books are having a negative impact on children.
And yet, the subset is not only not thinking about book banning as an issue at the voting booth, they're also unaware of the issue at all: 40% were "somewhat aware," compared to the overall survey's 31% response for this question; 22% were "not so aware," compared to 15%; and 11% were "not at all aware," compared to 7%. Despite being less aware than the overall panel, this subset was much more likely to believe in the very talking points pushed by the far-right when it comes to the impact of exposure to various topics on children. It makes sense, in some ways, that because these people do not know how books get onto shelves in the library, they are less aware of book banning, period.
And when it comes to whether or not librarians should be prosecuted for the materials in their collection, it should be a relief that the group who does not know how materials are acquired is significantly less likely to agree with that statement than the overall panel. Only 12% agreed, with 16% somewhat agreeing, compared to 25% and 23% respectively. That said, they were less likely to agree with libraries carrying books on complex topics for youth and more likely to disagree with the idea libraries should have books for youth that have LGBTQ+ characters.
https://literaryactivism.substack.com...
Now the bad news:A West Des Moines, Iowa, school board candidate (and Moms for Liberty "education chair" for Polk County) sought to sue the school district for "child p____hy" over a pair of YA books in the school libraries.
Paywalled
Escondido Union School District (CA)
has removed two of the most challenged books in the U.S. from campus libraries following an early October audit to seek out and remove any age-appropriate material from its collections.
https://thecoastnews.com/escondido-un...
The district closed libraries at all 23 of its elementary and middle school campuses in late September after a book “containing sexually explicit material” was found in one of its campus libraries. Library services were cut off until Oct. 6 after library technicians could conduct a “thorough audit” of its collections.
This Book Is Gay
Looking for Alaska
The book audit and subsequent removal of “This Book is Gay” stemmed from a district parent’s concerned statements to the board on Sept. 21 after her son found the book in the Bear Valley Middle School library in mid-September.
Anne White recalled how her 13-year-old son found the book when his eighth-grade class went to the school library. Later that night, he told his mother, who also works for the district, about the book.
“I was utterly disgusted and saddened that my son was exposed to this type of explicit, p____hic material,” White said. “I demand that all this and all other books be banned from school libraries.”
White noted that although some community members may argue freedom of speech when it comes to accessing the book in school libraries, she felt the book “canceled the rights of these young children to be children.”
White also noted that the book goes “directly against our Christian beliefs as a family” and her right as a parent to guide her child.
The district agreed that the book was “clearly inappropriate for a school library.”
According to the district, the school library technicians conducted the audit in consultation with the Certificated Librarian of Record from the San Diego County Office of Education and are currently working to improve its library collection processing to prevent a similar situation with another book in the future.
“We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the books we purchase for our students are age-appropriate,” said Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra.
Although the district maintained that its corrective measures to remove the book from the library and begin an audit of all libraries were consistent with the California Education Code, it appeared to go against its own policy of forming a 12-member committee consisting of parents and faculty to recommend how to approach a questioned book to the board.
Now the bad news:A West Des Moines, Iowa, school board candidate (and Moms for Liberty "education chair" for Polk County) sought to sue the school district for "child p____hy" over a pair of YA books in the school libraries.
Paywalled
Escondido Union School District (CA)
has removed two of the most challenged books in the U.S. from campus libraries following an early October audit to seek out and remove any age-appropriate material from its collections.
https://thecoastnews.com/escondido-un...
The district closed libraries at all 23 of its elementary and middle school campuses in late September after a book “containing sexually explicit material” was found in one of its campus libraries. Library services were cut off until Oct. 6 after library technicians could conduct a “thorough audit” of its collections.
This Book Is Gay
Looking for Alaska
The book audit and subsequent removal of “This Book is Gay” stemmed from a district parent’s concerned statements to the board on Sept. 21 after her son found the book in the Bear Valley Middle School library in mid-September.
Anne White recalled how her 13-year-old son found the book when his eighth-grade class went to the school library. Later that night, he told his mother, who also works for the district, about the book.
“I was utterly disgusted and saddened that my son was exposed to this type of explicit, p____hic material,” White said. “I demand that all this and all other books be banned from school libraries.”
White noted that although some community members may argue freedom of speech when it comes to accessing the book in school libraries, she felt the book “canceled the rights of these young children to be children.”
White also noted that the book goes “directly against our Christian beliefs as a family” and her right as a parent to guide her child.
The district agreed that the book was “clearly inappropriate for a school library.”
According to the district, the school library technicians conducted the audit in consultation with the Certificated Librarian of Record from the San Diego County Office of Education and are currently working to improve its library collection processing to prevent a similar situation with another book in the future.
“We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the books we purchase for our students are age-appropriate,” said Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra.
Although the district maintained that its corrective measures to remove the book from the library and begin an audit of all libraries were consistent with the California Education Code, it appeared to go against its own policy of forming a 12-member committee consisting of parents and faculty to recommend how to approach a questioned book to the board.
The public library in Graham, Texas, met this week to decide whether to ban the book We Need to Talk About Vaginas: An IMPORTANT Book About Vulvas, Periods, Puberty, and Sex! or to remove it.https://www.grahamleader.com/news/boo...
The illustrated book shares information on sensitive topics such as anatomy, sex, periods, consent and more. The book is written by a reproductive endocrinologist FOR tweens.
Multiple opinions were expressed by those in attendance, with the general consensus being that the material was unsuitable for young children who might access the book. While the recommended age range is 11 to 14, there was concern that due to the book’s proximity to the children’s section, it may be picked up by a younger child.
While the most vocal in the audience were on the same page, the board was split into three camps – remove, retain and refrain.
Board Vice President Gabby Pitcock and Bryan Bivens fell into the first camp, with strong opposition to the book.
“At the least, this should be removed completely from the children's section and placed in another portion of the library where kids have, not only no access to it, but maybe put it to where parents have the final word on whether or not they can check that out. But my vote would be to remove it entirely because I think it's garbage,” Bivens said. <---- No vagina= should not have a say
Pitcock spoke in public comments as a member of the community, mirroring others who spoke before her.
“My main concerns are the appropriateness level of this book, the things that it talks about. The way it is presented in the book … as, ‘everything's good, there's no limits’”, Pitcock said. “My four year old could access that book, and if he opened that up, that would be really bad. My six year old daughter could access that book … So the way it is presented is, it's mocking the traditional way, and it's mocking science.”
Stefani Shutz and Christy Chappell both stood against removal, but for different reasons.
Shutz stated that she bought the book shortly after it was brought to the board’s attention, and found it to be a good resource for teaching children about potentially awkward topics.
“I think we can come to some sort of agreement that there is a safe way to get this book out for people that need it, for kids that need it, for families that need something to help talk to their kids. It's an awkward situation. Every single topic in the book is awkward,” Shutz said. “If you are a male-only family and you only have a daughter or you’re a female-only family and you only have a son, there’s a lot in that book that can be gained…. Now, it has to be used with discretion. I agree with that. So I agree that we shouldn’t just remove it altogether.”
Chappell was concerned about the “bigger picture”, stating that library goers had a choice in whether or not they picked up the book.
“We just have to be aware that you have that choice. If you do not want to get that book, you don't have to. If you do not want your kid to read that book, they don't have to,” Chappell said. “... So at the end of the day, it's always a choice for your child to get that book or be around that book. But I just want everybody to realize that this is a bigger picture than just saying, take a book off the shelf.”
Board President Ryan Gordy, Christie Andrews and Carol Phaling all abstained from voting, with Andrews and Phaling wishing to look further into the book before making a decision.
“This is my personal opinion. It doesn't sound like a book that I would read to my children. But I am uncomfortable removing a book having never seen it, not because of what everybody said, because again, just basing it on whatever they said, I don't think that I would read this book to my children,” Andrews said. “But I feel uncomfortable removing a book that I've never laid eyes on as a precedent for the future.”
Interim Library Director DeAnna Bullock stated that if the book was relocated, there were a couple of options the board could consider.
“We could have a whole section that is called ‘health and wellness’ that is in a segregated area, away from the children's section, so that people who find this book helpful can use it. I mean, like parents,” Bullock said. “We could reshelve it into the regular adult nonfiction, which is also segregated away from all the children's books. There’s a pretty distinct section where, this part over here in the corner is all for children, and then there's a nonfiction section and then you go over into adult fiction, which has a lot of different topics. So those are two things that could be an option.”
The book survived removal, with two members voting for, two voting against and three abstaining. A motion was approved to temporarily relocate the book within the library, with a potential revote on removal once members fully read the material.
Horry SC is on a censorship roll...Now they banned Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities
https://www.postandcourier.com/myrtle...
The 192-page book, published through Chicago Review Press in 2015, details the history and societal contributions of famous historical figures that historians have confirmed or potentially could have been LGBTQ, based on historical documents such as personal letters, diaries and court transcripts.
“They are integral to every aspect of the lives we live today,” Pohlen said, regarding the LGBTQ figures in the book. “I’m a firm believer in sunlight is the best disinfectant, and putting out a history that isn’t widely known brings understanding to a greater number of people.”
But Pohlen’s book has now become the 13th book banned from Horry County Schools. It’s also the second nonfiction book to be pulled from the district’s shelves (as of Oct. 1). The first was Juno Dawson’s “This Book is Gay,” which was banned last year. Both books focus on LGBTQ-related topics.
Pohlen’s book was only available in St. James Intermediate School before it was removed. The school district claimed the information was no longer available on how many students checked out Pohlen’s book, or any of the 12 other banned books, before they were pulled.
Pohlen said he was unaware of widespread efforts to ban his book, recalling only one previous unsuccessful attempt in a Kansas school district in 2020.
Pohlen said Horry County’s ban goes against his book’s goal and intention.
“This has to do with their contributions, the organizations that they formed and the accomplishments that they have,” Pohlen said about his book and the LGBTQ figures within it. “It’s sad that the only strategy that they seem to want to do is just pretend it doesn’t exist through a ban like this.”
Wendy Hodges, who represents Myrtle Beach, Socastee and St. James on the Horry County Board of Education, now serves on the district media review committee and voted to pull the book. Although Hodges denied that the district “banned” Pohlen’s book, the American Library Association defines a “book ban” as the removal of any library materials.
“That book was not age appropriate, and there were a lot of items in there that were not actually accurate as far as history is concerned,” Hodges said, adding she read the book before voting to remove it.
When asked if she could provide specific examples of the book’s inappropriate or inaccurate content, she said she was unable to reference any specifics at the time because she needed to revisit her notes on the book.
When asked why the district removed and restricted the books based on one parent’s complaints, Hodges said the committee “looks at each complaint individually.”
New documents released to The Post and Courier show that David Warner, a Conway parent, was the sole person to formally complain about the five newly restricted and banned books, as well as the sole person to formally complain about the other 21 books. Warner is the chairman of the Horry County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a conservative parental rights’ group advocating against LGBTQ education and teaching critical race theory in schools. Moms for Liberty members have been involved in other statewide book ban efforts.
Warner has told The Post and Courier that he reads all of the books that he challenges, and he files his complaints on behalf of himself and other parents who disapprove of the books. He also wrote in his complaints that he fully read the materials before submitting them.
Regarding “Gay and Lesbian History for Kids,” he said Oct. 23 that the book contained misinformation, including the claims that “Abraham Lincoln was gay” and “Mona Lisa was non-binary.”
“If I was LGBT, I would want a history that actually reflected my history,” Warner said.
However, the book does not discuss Abraham Lincoln’s supposed sexuality. It only mentions Lincoln succeeding James Buchanan as president before the U.S. Civil War and two items in the Illinois governor’s mansion related to the former president — a painting of Lincoln and the governor’s desk, which Lincoln previously owned.
Also, the book does not discuss “Mona Lisa” or the supposed sexuality of the woman in the painting. There is a photo of the “Mona Lisa” painting right below Leonardo da Vinci’s picture, and “Mona Lisa” is only mentioned as an example of the painter’s famous works.
Warner also specifically challenged the book because it defines “two-spirit people.” Warner said the book “confused children about the science and creates ‘new identities’ (two spirited),” per his complaint.
Warner also challenged the book because it references “Athlete Ally,” an organization supporting LGBTQ inclusion in sports.
In a book activity, readers can take a pledge from the organization that encourages “respecting and welcoming all persons,” regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The pledge is included in an anti-bullying section of the book.
Hendry County School Board (FL)During the Oct. 17 meeting of the Hendry County School Board LaBelle City Commissioner Hugo Vargas brought up the issue of banned books, referencing a Banned Books Week display at Barron Library
https://www.southcentralfloridalife.c...
Vargas said the display was brought to his attention by a citizen who sent him photos of the display. He said he visited the library to check it out.
“I did my due diligence as a leader in the community, as a citizen in the community,” said Vargas. “I asked them many questions and they were legitimate questions. And I got some very misleading answers, and redirecting answers and finger pointing answers and they weren’t making sense.”
The library display has since been removed.
One of the photos of the display showed books such as Charlotte’s Web, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Huckleberry Finn, Catcher in the Rye, and 1984.”
“Those are not the reason why I went over there,” Vargas explained. “Don’t make me out to want to ban Charlotte’s Web. That’s not what I am about.”
He said he objected to some of top 10 most challenged books of 2022 also on display.
“There are definitely some good reasons why those books are challenged,” Vargas said. “This material aimed at children and the sexualization of children is unacceptable in the city of LaBelle, it’s unacceptable in our county.
“I will not stop fighting for our children. They are our greatest resource. They are the future for the city and for this county. We must protect them,” said Vargas.
“I think that there needs to be a conversation had on what we should be providing to the public with taxpayer money. There’s a reason why these books aren’t acceptable in schools,” he said.
Vargas said he is also concerned these books are in public libraries.
“I’ve been told middle school age children can have access and can check them out with parent permission,” he said. “There are people who don’t pay attention to what their children are doing.”
He said it’s the city’s responsibility to protect children from inappropriate books, just as they shouldn’t have access to alcohol and drugs.
“That’s not censorship. That’s protecting them. This is not about censoring. It’s protecting our children,” he said.
“There’s an ideology being pushed in this country. We must protect the children, especially the sexualization of children,” he said.
Vargas said some book challenges – such as efforts to ban “Charlotte’s Web” -- are ridiculous.
“There is stuff that is nonsense. Common sense will tell you what is appropriate and what is not appropriate,” he said.
Campbell County Public Library (WY) hired its new director after the board fired the previous one because she wouldn't ban books.John Jackson's responsibilities will include carrying out the board’s policies, including the collection development policy, which is still undergoing changes.
Changes include placing a faux book — noting the title, author and new location of the book — in the original shelf location of any book that has been relocated from the Children’s or Young Adult section to a new location in the general collection or removed from the collection, as a result of weeding and the application of the Policy for Protecting Children from Harmful, Sexually Explicit Material in Areas Designated for Minors, the proposal said. A list of the books that were relocated or removed because of the Policy for Protecting Children from Harmful, Sexually Explicit Material in Areas Designated for Minors would be available upon request and updated as weeding occurs. Any patron may challenge the relocation or removal.
Another change is defining “s-x act” or “s---ual activity.”
Library board member Sage Bear said that Jackson has recommendations for the policy and how to improve relationships between the staff and the board.
https://county17.com/2023/10/27/libra...
What's with California? The governor signed an anti-book banning bill. Shut it down and let it go people.https://www.egcitizen.com/news/conten...
ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) – Elk Grove Unified School District Trustees Anthony Perez and Carmine Forcina repeatedly challenged the status quo of their fellow school board members in a discussion of new guidelines for reading material in the board’s Oct. 17 meeting. They cited profanity, vulgarity and sexually explicit language was being allowed in library material.
They questioned what is age appropriate regarding hundreds of books that might come under the LGBTQ+ mantle, and why book ratings were not included along with librarians’ opinions in approving library material.
Perez asked why the guidelines allowed certain language, asking it be modified, and to allow more opting out by parents and not to put the burden on the parents to second-guess the school system. He stated what he was not comfortable with item by item, often concurring with Forcina.
Forcina disagreed with Article 6161.3 on policy and with Board President Nancy Chaires Espinoza, referencing contentious discussions they had in subcommittee, claiming she was now making opposite statements in this public forum.
Forcina called Espinoza a “liar” more than once, and pointed out confusing and conflicting language in the updated policies in review. He discounted the American Library Association’s (ALA) standards as allowing everything in, and not appropriate for schools. Forcina said that book ratings should also be valued, asking who is supervising the people making the selection. He suggested using more than one reviewing source.
Additionally, Forcina expressed concern that children would start exploring what they see in graphics meant for older readers, opening the district to a potential lawsuit.
Public comments were made, as in previous meetings, over the desire for some to have LGBTQ material made available in Elk Grove schools, while others saw students as too young for the teaching. There was a recent survey, but there had been no feedback on results. Voices were heard on the difficulty for non-English speaking parents to make their opinions known.
Espinoza commented she was “extremely disappointed, after all of the work that we have put in to have just a completely inaccurate representation of some of the work. She said parents’ rights are not at issue and the district already has policies for parents to flag library books, adding that state law does not permit some types of opting out.
Espinoza said the issue was whether some parents can control what other parents’ children will access.
“Case law says we, as individual parents, do not have the right to control the curriculum and the instructional materials that everybody else’s children have access to,” Espinoza said.
She objected to the characterization of librarians, saying the implication that they are (view spoiler) is “beyond offensive and irresponsible.” Additionally, the board has not created policy giving librarians complete autonomy, Espinoza said.
The opt-in, opt-out language was raised in public comments, as well, indicating that parents who approve of more explicit teaching ought to bear the burden of opting their children in.
Perez and Forcina wanted modifications to wording in the policies under 6161.3, such as relaxing directives from “must” to “may” and “might” or other statements. Perez also supported language about parent engagement in the process.
Perez wanted standards for age-appropriate language and images for certain grade levels. He added that he was concerned about children “learning so fast” about adult topics.
Trustee Beth Albiani said that the issue had never been brought to her attention before and that the board was not at the point of making a decision. She supported using ALA standards and opposed opt-in and opt-out policies.
“It shows no respect for the professionalism of a teacher or librarian” not to let them decide, Albiani said. She continued that the curriculum adoption process can handle difficult topics, citing a “very hard” social studies review. Albiani said she thought the policies update was fine.
Trustee Gina Jamerson concurred with the recommendations and said she respects district staff’s ability to choose material.
“As a parent of two young children in our district, if there are materials that I don’t feel are appropriate for my children to read, I have the opportunity to opt them out,” Jamerson said.
Trustee Michael Vargas said depiction of subjects such as nudity is not necessarily obscene and can be necessary to educate on LGBTQ+ identity.
“If you don’t start with the assumption that those are obscene and pornographic, you can actually read those books and get a lot out of them,” he said.
Trustee Sean Yang said the topic needed more discussion and work before the board voted on it, such as defining “appropriate language.”
Student Board Member Isabella Sigal agreed with the document as is, saying students do not generally have problems with the document. She thanked the board for the opportunity to observe the process.
What's with California? The governor signed an anti-book banning bill. Shut it down and let it go people.https://www.egcitizen.com/news/conten...
ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) – Elk Grove Unified School District Trustees Anthony Perez and Carmine Forcina repeatedly challenged the status quo of their fellow school board members in a discussion of new guidelines for reading material in the board’s Oct. 17 meeting. They cited profanity, vulgarity and sexually explicit language was being allowed in library material.
They questioned what is age appropriate regarding hundreds of books that might come under the LGBTQ+ mantle, and why book ratings were not included along with librarians’ opinions in approving library material.
Perez asked why the guidelines allowed certain language, asking it be modified, and to allow more opting out by parents and not to put the burden on the parents to second-guess the school system. He stated what he was not comfortable with item by item, often concurring with Forcina.
Forcina disagreed with Article 6161.3 on policy and with Board President Nancy Chaires Espinoza, referencing contentious discussions they had in subcommittee, claiming she was now making opposite statements in this public forum.
Forcina called Espinoza a “liar” more than once, and pointed out confusing and conflicting language in the updated policies in review. He discounted the American Library Association’s (ALA) standards as allowing everything in, and not appropriate for schools. Forcina said that book ratings should also be valued, asking who is supervising the people making the selection. He suggested using more than one reviewing source.
Additionally, Forcina expressed concern that children would start exploring what they see in graphics meant for older readers, opening the district to a potential lawsuit.
Public comments were made, as in previous meetings, over the desire for some to have LGBTQ material made available in Elk Grove schools, while others saw students as too young for the teaching. There was a recent survey, but there had been no feedback on results. Voices were heard on the difficulty for non-English speaking parents to make their opinions known.
Espinoza commented she was “extremely disappointed, after all of the work that we have put in to have just a completely inaccurate representation of some of the work. She said parents’ rights are not at issue and the district already has policies for parents to flag library books, adding that state law does not permit some types of opting out.
Espinoza said the issue was whether some parents can control what other parents’ children will access.
“Case law says we, as individual parents, do not have the right to control the curriculum and the instructional materials that everybody else’s children have access to,” Espinoza said.
She objected to the characterization of librarians, saying the implication that they are (view spoiler) is “beyond offensive and irresponsible.” Additionally, the board has not created policy giving librarians complete autonomy, Espinoza said.
The opt-in, opt-out language was raised in public comments, as well, indicating that parents who approve of more explicit teaching ought to bear the burden of opting their children in.
Perez and Forcina wanted modifications to wording in the policies under 6161.3, such as relaxing directives from “must” to “may” and “might” or other statements. Perez also supported language about parent engagement in the process.
Perez wanted standards for age-appropriate language and images for certain grade levels. He added that he was concerned about children “learning so fast” about adult topics.
Trustee Beth Albiani said that the issue had never been brought to her attention before and that the board was not at the point of making a decision. She supported using ALA standards and opposed opt-in and opt-out policies.
“It shows no respect for the professionalism of a teacher or librarian” not to let them decide, Albiani said. She continued that the curriculum adoption process can handle difficult topics, citing a “very hard” social studies review. Albiani said she thought the policies update was fine.
Trustee Gina Jamerson concurred with the recommendations and said she respects district staff’s ability to choose material.
“As a parent of two young children in our district, if there are materials that I don’t feel are appropriate for my children to read, I have the opportunity to opt them out,” Jamerson said.
Trustee Michael Vargas said depiction of subjects such as nudity is not necessarily obscene and can be necessary to educate on LGBTQ+ identity.
“If you don’t start with the assumption that those are obscene and pornographic, you can actually read those books and get a lot out of them,” he said.
Trustee Sean Yang said the topic needed more discussion and work before the board voted on it, such as defining “appropriate language.”
Student Board Member Isabella Sigal agreed with the document as is, saying students do not generally have problems with the document. She thanked the board for the opportunity to observe the process.
Wisconsin Community members addressed the Kenosha Unified School Board this week on the subject of banning books.
https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/ed...
Fourteen people spoke both for and against banning.
“People wanting to ban books read disturbing passages about (view spoiler) at last month’s school board meeting. (view spoiler) but those feelings shouldn’t be grounds for banning books.” (view spoiler) “Censoring books that deal with difficult adolescent issues does not protect anyone. Quite the opposite — it leaves kids in the dark and makes them vulnerable.”
Some speakers, including Jennifer Franco, said books that address difficult topics are important for students to have, as it may help them navigate their own issues.
“The school board must implement a strong, clear and transparent policy to protect children from harmful ____ explicit books and materials. To not do so makes the board complicit in s---ualizing our children,” said Colana Hutchinson. “It’s not just simply a matter of creating a procedure in which parents can dictate which books their child is not allowed to check out from the library.”
Kevin Hutchinson said there is no object policy to “protect our children from obscene materials ... You would never ever agree that your children have access to this material.”
Kenosha Unified Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss read the school board policy for addressing grievances with books, and said action to form an advisory committee in regard to books is already underwa
Ashland, Ohio censors are campaigning to defund the libraryhttps://www.ashlandsource.com/2023/10...
ASHLAND — A number of Ashland County residents received a flier in the mail this week advocating for a no vote on the library levy.
“It’s time to inform the library that the voices of concerned citizens who feel strongly about protecting childhood innocence and local accountability matter. Vote no on Nov. 7,” the flier stated.
A political action committee called “Citizens for Ashland Library Accountability” produced the fliers. The PAC filed paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office on Oct. 4, 2023.
The reason the PAC is advocating against the levy, according to the flier, was the library’s decision to keep three books in the juvenile nonfiction section following a series of library board meetings in 2022.
The library’s ballot levy is a renewal. It provides 27% of the library’s $2 million budget. The levy helps the library provide programming, resources and more.
The Citizens for Ashland Library Accountability group filing with the Secretary of State lists Karen Herod as the group’s treasurer and William Herod as its deputy treasurer.
The group has received $4,683.89 in total contributions as of Oct. 26, according to a campaign finance report.
A statement of contributions received lists $2,440.53 in donations from Karen Herod. Seth McArdle donated $1,943.36, and Burton Williams donated another $300.
The group’s paperwork also lists an in-kind contribution worth $1,600 from William Herod for graphic design of the fliers.
Back to Catawba, NCCatawba County parents have options for restricting student access to books
https://hickoryrecord.com/news/local/...
For more than 20 years, parents have had several options to restrict their child’s access to certain material at Catawba County Schools’ media centers. One is the media center opt-out procedure under policy 3.6100AP-2. This policy pertains only to media found in school libraries. The other is the Parental Inspection and Objection to Instructional Materials procedure under policy 3.6100. This pertains to curriculum material used in classrooms.
The district’s policies are available to view online.
Director for Digital and Media Literacy Amanda Moose said that the opt-out procedure was written and adopted as policy in August 2022, but media coordinators had already been following the procedure and standards. Its adoption in 2022 simply put the process in formal writing.
Moose said the opt-out process has been used seven times since it was officially adopted: five times in the 2022-23 school year and twice so far in the 2023-24 school year.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Lee Miller said information regarding the opt-out process was originally sent to parents with all other beginning-of-year information. Because it was easily lost in the mix, Director of Marketing and Communication Kim Jordan said the district sent the information out as a separate letter for the last two years.
“We have made a conscious effort to bring more awareness to the opt-out possibility,” Miller said.
If you would like to see the district's policies, they are all available at sites.google.com/a/catawbaschools.net...
Moore County Board of Education (NC) made some decisions over 9 contested books in the district — including removal from some schools — but the final decisions are tabled, and a verdict will be rendered in December.https://sandhillssentinel.com/board-o...
On Sept. 26, the committee reviewed nine books in their entirety.
The committee voted unanimously on the following recommendations:
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini for Union Pines High School and Pinecrest High School with no restrictions.
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison for Union Pines High School with no restrictions.
“Eleanor and Park” by Rainbow Rowell for Union Pines High School with no restrictions.
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie for Union Pines High School with no restrictions and to remove it from Crain’s Creek Middle School.
“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher for Union Pines High School with no restrictions and only with parent permission for grades six through eight at West Pine Middle School.
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson for Union Pines High School with no restrictions.
“Looking for Alaska” by John Green for Union Pines High School with no restrictions and only with parent permission for grades seven and eight at Crain’s Creek Middle School.
“Crank” by Ellen Hopkins for Union Pines High School with no restrictions and only with parent permission for eighth grade at Highfalls K-8 school.
“City of Heavenly Fire: The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare for Union Pines High School, North Moore High School, New Century Middle School and Crain’s Creek Middle School with no restrictions.
“We have an amoral approach with no consideration for community standards. We didn’t know that when we were running [for board of education],” school board member Kenneth Benway said in support of school board member Pauline Bruno’s statement on not understanding how the books infiltrated the school system.
“We need to read all these books because the public does not want these books. I don’t care about committees,” member Pauline Bruno said.
“I did not read the books. Our job was to support the committees,” Metcalf said.
“You guys were duped,” board member David Hensley said about removing books at the high school level being practically impossible and that “vulgar” was based on a Supreme Court case against Hustler Magazine.
“It’s on them,” board member Stacy Caldwell said about monitoring what students read as a parent’s responsibility because school media specialists are not responsible.
Policy 5410 Selection of Instructional Materials states that a book must be pervasively vulgar, have no educational value, or be age-inappropriate and the removal must not affect state curriculum standards.
AlaskaMat-Su Borough students walk out in protest against recent school board decisions
Tuesday morning, as part of a district-wide walk-out.
“So this walkout was kind of to go, you guys already weren’t listening to our voice,” Career and Tech student Ben Kolendo said. “And it was students making it clear that they want their voices listened to, they want a student representative, and they want to have a say in their education.”
Students held signs and cheered in protest against the current conditions of the district’s school board.
Kolendo adds students walked out to stand against the recent decision the board has made on removing the student advisory representation position, the book bans, and additional academic recruitments.
“In the education system, there is no bigger person involved in the educational and school community than students,” Kolendo said.
The school district responded to a protest, writing in a statement, “The District knew about these walk-outs and worked with schools to make sure that the students were safe and unobstructed to exercise their right while simultaneously protecting the right to an uninterrupted learning day for the majority of students who chose to stay in class.”
The district statement did not address any concerns students were advocating against on Tuesday.
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/202...
Wyoming state superintendent outlines plan for library book limitationshttps://news.yahoo.com/wyoming-state-...
Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder unveiled a statewide policy recommendation from the state Department of Education concerning library book access at a press conference Wednesday. The policy is intended to advise school districts on the subject of sexually explicit library materials, while still leaving ultimate control of policy decisions to individual districts.
"This guidance is meant to serve as a resource for Wyoming school districts, encouraging discussion and adoption of a policy around library materials," she said. "All school districts, no matter their size, should have the tools to create the best policy that meets the needs of their community."
Degenfelder said that she first caught wind of the issue when campaigning last year, and was initially skeptical of the concerns brought to her attention.
"When I campaigned across every corner of the state last year, there were few issues that I heard more about than concerns about inappropriate course material and books in schools," she said. "I must admit that, when I first heard about complaints of these graphic, s---ually explicit materials in books in our schools, I was skeptical. But I promised Wyoming that I would investigate and address the issue. I did exactly that. And, unfortunately, the concerns I've heard as I traveled the state were well-founded.
"I've now seen material, for my own eyes, in different areas of the state — books currently available in school libraries to minors under the age of consent and paid for by taxpayer dollars — that include graphic depictions of s---ually explicit acts."
Linda Finnerty, the WDE's chief communications officer, provided the Wyoming Tribune Eagle with excerpts from a book called "Let's Talk About It," a book intended to teach sexual behaviors to teenagers. The book was cited multiple times during the press conference as one that raised concerns with stakeholders in the state.
Taylor Jacobs, a mother from Lander who worked with Degenfelder on the policy, mentioned that book by name, saying that she was disappointed to find that her local high school library "promoted p____graphy" by carrying books like "Let's Talk About It."
"Not only was it in my school, it was placed on a display table where students as young as 14 could have access to it," she said. "This book provided no data or facts, but was simply an opinion piece labeled as sex education resource. S---ally explicit material in schools was an issue I didn't think I would have infiltrated my small town, and yet it did. More shocking still was the fight to prevent the book from being 'banned' from our high school. ... (It) has since been removed from our high school, thanks to a policy similar to those recommended today."
The 13-page policy from WDE broke down suggested policies into five sections: definitions, material selection process, prohibited content provision, opt-in and opt-out processes and the reconsideration process.
The state's suggestions came with recommendations for the procurement of new library books. [Because you know, librarians don't know how to do the jobs they were educated and trained to do.]
When asked about criticism that similar policies have gotten from librarians and educators, Degenfelder said that policies like the WDE's would increase transparency and positively impact librarian retention by removing guesswork from their jobs.
One of the local board's most vocal supporters of its draft policy, vice chair Christy Klaassen, worked with the WDE's statewide cabinet to draft the policy recommendation released Wednesday.
Marcie Kindred, a board member of the Wyoming Family Alliance for Freedom, who attended the event, was critical of the state's proposed policy and said it puts a strain on educators.
"Our educators are trained professionals, and teachers and librarians are experts in assessing age appropriateness for education and reading materials."
One positive aspect Kindred mentioned was that educators and librarians were consulted and served on Degenfelder's cabinet. She said she hoped that their influence would be able to guide the attention of state officials off of the issue and onto other subjects.
Indiana School board member proposes labeling ‘controversial’ books
Again missing the point... The kids who need these books the most will be afraid to ask for them and their parents won't grant permission anyway! Censorship.
https://www.therepublic.com/2023/11/0...
A Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. school board member is suggesting that school libraries classify certain titles as “controversial” and require parental permission for students to access these materials.
Board member Logan Schulz presented a policy draft at Monday’s public work session, with member Jason Major also expressing his support for the idea. Both men have been outspoken about their concern regarding what they consider inappropriate materials in school libraries and have filed complaints regarding specific books.
“There’s books that are going to be clearly controversial but not to the level of obscene by the statutory purposes, right?” Schulz said. “And at the end of the day, a lot of parents have reached out and said, ‘I want to have a say in my child being able to get that book.’”
His proposal states that if a library material or book meets the definition of controversial, a specific form must be filled out with written approval by the building’s administrator, and the item must be placed in a restricted section. It will then only be made available to students who have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
“Schools can collect written permission from parents/guardians for either general access to this restricted section or collect it on a per material basis,” Schulz wrote. “Documentation of that permission shall be retained in either paper or digital form through the end of the current school year. Permission can be granted for up to one school year at a time.”
He referenced existing Board Policy 2240 — Controversial Issues as providing the definition for controversial. The policy defines a controversial issue as “a topic on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion and/or likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community.”
Schulz also proposed that the form filled out for library books be form 2520 F1, an existing form used to rate materials that are used in the classroom but are not part of the official curriculum. Such materials are to be rated on relationship to the course of study, uniqueness of content/presentation, maturity level and controversial nature. If any criterion rates poorly, the material must be reviewed by the principal.
Existing administrative guidelines state that any library material “that contains content or a manner of presentation that could be controversial, as defined in Policy 2240 and criterion #4 in 2520 F1, should be approved by the principal prior to purchase.”
“Now, in my discussions with the library, they said ‘There’s ways to do it on our systems, to create access requirements, so if you don’t want your child to see hard language books, we can put that into this system,’” Schulz said. “… But at the end of the day, this (policy draft) provides a clear delineation of at what point do we need parental guidance to provide these books.”
He and Major also said that having an “opt out” system — rather than Schulz’s proposal to “opt in” — puts the burden on parents to research books.
However, board president Nicole Wheeldon said that parents can look titles up online.
“If you’re a parent and you feel like you want to limit what your kid sees,” she said, “and you get to the point that you can’t trust them to tell you what they’re checking out, then you have the option to go in and say ‘I have a list. This is what I’m worried (about) and this is what I don’t want.’”
“But you can’t do that for 10,000 books,” Major said.
Wheeldon replied that she thinks having an “opt in” system where libraries separate into two different sections is “impractical” and not realistic.
She added that there’s already statute governing what can be put in libraries, though Schulz said that X-rated material could meet that standard.
He believes it makes sense to seek parental consent for material that “would easily rate above societal norms,” but Wheeldon doubted that the board could agree on what those norms are.
Major stated that he’s previously recommended that BCSC bring together librarians and community members to reach a consensus on what those standards should be.
Penn. https://www.inquirer.com/education/ch...
Pretty sure this is illegal somehow. Misrepresentation of a scientific board? lying? coercion? cybercrime? harassment?
A Downingtown school board candidate pretended to be the ‘Society of College Medicine’ to challenge books
It’s one of numerous websites Christopher Bressi appears to have created that link to one another and profess to be “global networks” of academic professionals.
The first warning from the Society of College Medicine landed in inboxes in June 2021, with the subject line “Violation — Book Red Flagged.”
“It has come to our attention that a ‘Red Flagged’ book has appeared on your DEI Reading List,” the email to Downingtown Area School District administrators and school board members, began, citing White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.
“We recommend this being removed immediately, and sensitivity counseling/training administered to whomever recommended/allowed this book to a school population,” said the email, which didn’t have a name attached to it, but was signed by the society’s “Violations Department.”
Several more emails arrived in the coming weeks, warning Downingtown that the society had now issued five “tier-1″ and eight “tier-2″ violations for books it deemed “extremely divisive.” The society said it had given Downingtown’s DEI reading list a “D,” “which is in the bottom tier of all schools we assess globally.”
But the Society for College Medicine is merely a website that appears to be made up by a man who is not a physician but is running for the Downingtown school board.
Christopher Bressi, a Republican backed by the conservative “parental rights” group Moms for Liberty, previously listed the society on his resume and referenced it in Facebook posts, according to community members who have documented the ties. The society’s website has also mentioned Bressi.
It’s one of numerous websites he appears to have created that link to one another and profess to be “global networks” of academic professionals.
When Bressi announced his candidacy, community members searched online to learn more about him. They found a resume on LinkedIn that mentioned the Society of College Medicine — the first of several connections that would emerge. (The mention has since disappeared from his resume, which also doesn’t use his full name.)
“Why would this person who has been acting so underhandedly to target our school district now want to be on the school board? That’s a concern,” said one parent, who like several interviewed asked to remain anonymous, fearing harassment and threats from other community members.
The Society of College Medicine website does not claim to have anything to do with medicine, instead billing itself as a “School Safety and Preparedness Network,” with “current members and alumni ... from virtually every college and/or university in America and beyond.” But its content consists entirely of links: to colleges, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, and to other websites affiliated with Bressi. As of Wednesday, after The Inquirer reached out for comment, the list of member colleges was deleted.
Bressi describes himself as a professor — appearing on Moms for Liberty’s endorsement list as “Professor Christopher Bressi” — who began working in the “higher education sector” as a research assistant in 1998.
“Since those humbler beginnings, I have held various, senior-level positions including Academic Dean, Department Chair, Site Director, Director of Education, and National Director,” he says on his campaign website.
He doesn’t say where he’s worked. But a LinkedIn resume for “Christopher B.” on LinkedIn that uses the same Martin Luther King Jr. quote as his campaign site — “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve” — lists numerous positions, including “executive director of higher education.”
That position appears to be with Aspect Consulting, an IT consulting company based in King of Prussia; the company did not return a message seeking comment. A former colleague said Bressi’s role when they worked together was connecting education institutions with consultants that could advise them about software.
“The fact that he says he’s the director of higher ed, that’s a service we provide. ... But he’s not the service, he’s the go-between,” said the former colleague, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Bressi’s resume also says he has been an adjunct technology professor with Delaware County Community College for 20 years; a college spokesperson said she could not comment on employment information.
In other roles, Bressi says he worked as a technology professor for ITT Technical Institute, the for-profit education chain that shut down in 2016; and as academic dean for the former Career Education Corp., now Perdoceo, a company that owns for-profit colleges. The company did not respond to a request for comment.
He also says he was a law and justice professor from 2004 to 2006 for Alvernia University, “in the Philadelphia and Exton PA Location(s).” Bressi says that, as “site director and professor” for the PA Institute of Forensic Science, he “worked in conjunction with Alvernia College to expand/open a satellite campus in Exton, PA.”
An Alvernia spokesperson said academic records reflect classes taught by Bressi in 2005, “but we haven’t operated a site in Exton.”
The emails sent by the society came as a group of Downingtown parents were attacking the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as “critical race theory” — an academic framework examining systemic racism that had suddenly become a target of the right nationally.
Bressi began commenting on Facebook about the “bigotry of CRT,” according to screenshots taken by community members.
In a “No Left Turn in Education” group, Bressi — using the name Christopher Bre — shared an email from the Society for College Medicine notifying Downingtown of “Red Flag” violations, and referred to “pressure from the Society of College Medicine” that he suggested was having an impact.
But district administrators had already disregarded the messages. “There is no Society of College Medicine, let alone a violations department,” Justin Brown, Downingtown’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, wrote in an email to school board members. “This is simply someone trying to troll the district.”
The society emailed administrators again in December 2022, objecting to plans for students to attend an Alice in Wonderland pantomime play at the People’s Light and Theatre Company in Malvern that featured a drag performer as the Cheshire Cat, sparking controversy among some parents.
“As you can imagine, we strongly frown on the notion of using academic time/hours ... to encourage attendance of obviously politically motivated and highly charged shows/rallies/events,” read the email, again signed by the violations department.
Bressi’s use of groups he’s created is “absolutely deceptive,” intended to convey authority, said one parent, who requested anonymity because she’s been secretly tracking right-wing community members online.
She said she worries about the prospect of Moms for Liberty and others gaining influence on the school board: “I don’t want my hometown to end up like Florida.”
Niece #2 (13, 8th grade) lives in a conservative area and she's been listening to the adult and teen conversations about banned books. She was pleased to join the conversation with the news her school had a Banned Books Week display featuring tons of banned books and where you can find them in the library. (THAT is the way to do it! Show the censors that no the children's section does not have books with graphic images). I did explain that to niece who didn't realize that. I explained some of the picture books for young kids about transgender just show kids changing their names, pronouns, clothing style and sometimes hair. The focus is on how they feel. I also told them about Morris Micklewhite who likes the tangerine dress because it's the color of Mommy's hair. He's in PRESCHOOL and playing dress up. Nieces were like "Wait what? Why is that banned?" <3 <3 I quoted Grace Lin "Sometimes it's just a book about people sitting down to a shared meal." and Shannon Hale "Sometimes it's just a book about a kitty who feels like a unicorn." Both girls thought banning that kind of stuff was silly. Not my kids so I don't feel comfortable talking about some of the adult content so I focused on the books for little kids.
Niece #1 (almost 15, 9th grade) loves manga. She refuses to read My Hero Academia, Vol. 1even though it's super popular with teens because it's "too basic"! LOL! She didn't understand what the censors would object to and said some of the ones she likes would for sure be banned and NO ONE is going to tell HER what she can't read!
Talking to her is always interesting.
Niece #2 wants to become a large animal veterinarian, attending an agricultural school. She's about to become intimately familiar with how horses and cows have babies. Are those books going to be banned because she might ask questions about how humans have babies? (A fact which I assume she already knows).
Book banning is on the ballot Tuesday in Minnesotaa commentary piece with a few key takaways
https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/11...
On Tuesday, voters in more than two dozen Minnesota school districts will elect school board members who will decide if their students will have the freedom to read books that tell an honest history of race and racism in America.
Two bills introduced by Republicans in the Minnesota legislature in 2021, as well as other have appeared in red-state legislatures with the goal to combat the so-called spread of critical race theory.
Critical race theory is the idea that racism is embedded in legal systems and is not limited to individuals. It is an academic discipline taught at the university level, but it has become a catch-all phrase on the right to include anything about race taught in public schools.
These proposed new laws often state that a teacher cannot “require or make part of a course” the ideas that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex” or that someone is “inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive” based on their race or sex.
Protesting Police Violence in Modern America, a book for high school students, does not suggest that one race is inherently superior, nor does it suggest that anyone is inherently oppressive.
Despite this, the 48-page text has an entry on BookLooks.org — the preferred reference website for Moms 4 Liberty and other groups intent on restricting what students may read. Why is this a problem, according to this group of “concerned parents”? On page 27, there is a map with two discussion questions: “This map shows some of the countries around the world where demonstrators protested the death of George Floyd in early June. Why do you think this issue is so important to so many people? What might the map suggest about racism around the world?”
The parents who wrote the list don’t explain why they think students should not have this discussion.
Too many of the college students are not prepared for political science classes. Rarely does a student know about Black Americans’ involvement during World War II. This is because few high schools teach this material.
There are just six books written about Emmett Till for students in grades 4-12.
How can we raise informed citizens, and be informed ourselves, if we cannot discuss the killings of George Floyd and Emmet Till in our schools?
Today is election day. Was there an election in your voting district? I hope you voted. The only thing on the ballot in my district was an important one - which candidate for U.S. Congress? The Democrat is unsurprisingly winning by a landslide and is the projected winner. I don't want to speak too soon though. I don't think this person is in favor of censorship in education or book banning but it's not a big issue here.
In Pennsylvania, a story about a library went unnoticed. I'm surprised I missed this one since I follow figure skating. I sincerely don't understand why these people insist they speak for the entire community. OBVIOUSLY the entire community is NOT conservative because the librarians ordered LGBTQ+ books! They must be circulating or the librarians would weed them. Here's the news:
https://literaryactivism.substack.com...
The Fulton Township supervisors decided at the end of their meeting to revoke their annual donation to the Quarryville Public Library in Pennsylvania. The consensus was that because the library provides LGBTQ+ material, it is not protecting the children within its community.
“We will not be giving them any money,” board President Scott Osborne said at the meeting. “That’s the long and short of that.” Osborne claimed that the supervisors knew about inappropriate material in the library but when asked for details, could neither remember the titles nor any information about the situation that led to the supervisors becoming concerned.
Quarryville Public Library serves several small communities and its annual budget is $329,000–$53,000 of it comes from municipal donations, including this one from Fulton Township. Though it might not seem significant, that $1,000 for the library has a significant return on investment, somewhere between $5 and $9 per single dollar.
What makes this story more bizarre is the response from one of the leaders within the Quarryville Public Library itself. The library board's vice president Jewell Shivery assured the county that the library would implement new policies and protections in order to withhold LGBTQ+ materials from young readers. Shivery sent a letter to every community the library serves stating that "we are not doing a good enough job at protecting the innocence of the children in our community," and "We want you to know that we are committed to addressing this issue and implementing policies that will keep books of LGTBQ content out of the hands of children unless their parents wish to put them there," according to Lancaster Online.
The whole board then followed up with another letter, this time noting that library policies, the American Library Association, and the Library System of Lancaster County enforced censorship laws and would not allow books to be pulled from the library over individual objections. That, another board member said, was their "preferred" letter response, not the one that came from Shivery.
In November 2022, another library in the same system as Quarryville faced funding cuts. Though the Ephrata Public Library in Akron will be funded in 2024, the explanation by the Borough Council for those proposed cuts mirrors that of the Quarryville Library Board Members and Township supervisors. The community is "very conservative," and as such, should not have books featuring queer characters or content.
There was not only pushback and disagreement. One former community member not only shed light on the story–much of which was buried behind paywalls–but he stepped up to cover the $1,000 donation gap. That community member happened to be Johnny Weir, two-time Olympic figure skater [Pennsylvania native and member of the LGBTQ+ community]. He posted a message to his fans on Instagram, letting them know he would be matching the Fulton Township donation for as long as he can to keep the library's funding where it has been. More, he urged his followers to do the same and support the library which has been instrumental in helping support the whole of the community by providing access to LGBTQIA+ books.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzOmSqsLDwW/
Bad news in Fresno County, Cali. This is PUBLIC libraries! Remember when they claimed they were going after books only in schools?https://abc30.com/fresno-county-super...
Fresno County supervisors vote for plan to create committee to review children's books in libraries
It will create a committee of parents and guardians to review all current and future children's books placed in county libraries.
On Tuesday, supervisors voted 3 to 2 to amend the "Parents Matter Act."
The act proposed by Supervisor Steve Brandau would create a panel of parents and guardians that would review all current and future children's books to be placed in the county's libraries.
The measure would also move certain titles deemed "age-inappropriate" out of the children's section.
"There are no books leaving our county library, this is not a ban. It's simply where does the book gets displayed," said Brandau.
People stood up to voice support for the measure and against it.
Interesting storiesTeachers College Press
What Happens When Young People Actually Read “Disturbing” Books
https://www.tcpress.com/blog/young-pe...
UW–Madison’s Suzanne Eckes breaks down the Supreme Court’s stance on book banning in her recent op-ed in The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/where-the...
Books Facing Bans in the United States Are Brought To Life by Communications Students
https://villanovan.com/23855/news/boo...
Berkeley High School (California) reacts to book bans across country
https://berkeleyhighjacket.com/2023/n...
While the news today is WAY better than I expected, the censors will not quietly go away. There is some bad news, in where else? Florida!Moms for Liberty members call cops on librarians after teen checks out YA novel
https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/11/0...
Santa Rosa County
Jennifer Tapley, a member of the far-right parental rights group and SPLC-named extremist organization, contacted Santa Rosa County police on October 25, claiming to have evidence that “a crime was committed”.
In an audio recording obtained by Popular Information, Tapley told authorities that “p___graphy was given to a minor in a school”, and that she would like to “make a report with somebody and turn over the evidence.”
Storm and Fury
After learning that the novel had been checked out from Jay High School library by a 17-year-old student, Tapley decided it was imperative that she call the police.
Accompanied by fellow Moms for Liberty member Tom Gurski, Tapley went down to the Sheriff’s Office to give a statement.
The book is listed as one of the Florida Association of Media in Education (FAME)’s “Teen Reads” list. FAME’s “Teen Reads” list is, according to its website, a list of books that will “engage” teens and “provide a spur to their critical thinking.”
Speaking to Popular Information, author Armentrout said that she was surprised to learn that we are “living in an era where, apparently, some adults find it appropriate to contact the police over a fictional book involving gargoyles.”
She noted that the book was in no way written to “incite s---ual excitement”, but to “educate people on a little-known disease in a fun, suspenseful, and adventurous way.”
The main character in the novel, Trinity Marrow, lives with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that Armentrout also has.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office referred Tapley and Gurski to the director of safety at Santa Rosa County Florida School District before the case was closed.
Elsewhere in Florida, Collier County schools pulled 300 books! The long list of titles includes a range of literary classics, books adapted into films and TV shows, young adult books, and in some cases, numerous titles by a single author.
https://winknews.com/2023/11/06/banne...
https://twitter.com/FLFreedomRead/sta...
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To protect themselves and their jobs, Librarians turn to civil rights agency to oppose book bans and their firingsShe refused to ban books, many of them about racism and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. And for that, Suzette Baker was fired as a library director in a rural county in central Texas.
“I’m kind of persona non grata around here,” said Baker, who had headed the Kingsland, Texas, library system until she refused to take down a prominent display of several books people had sought to ban over the years.
Now, Baker is fighting back. She and two other librarians who were similarly fired have filed workplace discrimination claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. And as culture war battles to keep certain books from children and teens put public and school libraries increasingly under pressure, their goal is redemption and, where possible, eventual reinstatement.
After her firing in 2022, Baker filed an EEOC claim against her employer, the Llano County Library System in Kingsland, Texas. And in September 2023, Terri Lesley, executive director of the Campbell County Public Library System in Gillette, Wyoming, filed a claim over her firing last summer.
Halpern, with the Denver firm Rathod Mohamedbhai, compared the wrongful termination claims to civil rights era legal battles.
“It is honestly sad that we’ve gotten to this point. But history is a constant struggle and we have to learn from our past,” she said.
The 1964 Civil Right Act established the EEOC to enforce laws against workplace discrimination. One legal expert thinks the librarians might be able to prevail on the grounds that, under those laws, employees may not be discriminated against for associating with certain classes of people.
https://apnews.com/article/book-bans-...
Manybooks wrote: "Members of Moms for Liberty, they ALL deserve many darn good spankings."They just lost school board elections. I suspect they'll "take a licking and keep on ticking" but the message, as of now, is they're barking up the wrong tree. The police didn't seem terribly concerned. Why waste police resources and taxpayer money? Their grand gestures aren't getting them anywhere so maybe it's time to follow the rules and legally challenge books formally by filing the necessary paperwork!
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They just lost school board elections. I suspect they'll "take a licking and keep on ticking" but the mes..."
That is good news, but it does seem that Moms for Liberty are still courted and enabled by far too many politicians.
Sadly, book banning continues in Texas. Once again people... books in the school library are optional. No one is forcing your kid to read them. The teacher's classroom library is also optional. And of course there's worse online and on TV.______________________________________________________
Plano ISD board meeting sees another packed crowd to discuss s___ally-explicit books
Of the 72 books up for reconsideration, 65 have already been removed from the shelves and two have been retained.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/edu...
A large contingent of Muslim-Americans has joined the fight in keeping s-explicit content off the shelves. Prior to Wednesday night's meeting, residents had raised concerns that "outside forces" were attempting to bully the school board.
"I find it ironic that so many of the speakers are not residents of our district," said Kelli Killion, a Plano ISD parent and educator, who does not support a ban on books. "Some of the books that have always been age-appropriate have been removed after the fact."
WFAA was told many of the Muslim-American parents who showed up to speak Wednesday night did have children in the district. A representative told WFAA their community is just now starting to hear about the book debate. The group feels strongly about removing the books.
"We should be aware and control what is being taught and what are children are being exposed to," said Khalid Ishaq, a parent to a former Plano ISD student.
Superintendent Theresa Williams sent out a letter to Plano families in October stressing the commitment to remove sexually-explicit content and to refine the review process.
Sources with the district told WFAA the rubric they use to review these books has tightened. Even the purchase of these books is now centralized, meaning all books have to be ordered through the central office. A committee is assigned to the books up for reconsideration. The committee is comprised of administrators, teachers, staff, and parents, according to the district.
On Wednesday night, the board also voted unanimously to continue their current practice of hiring support services personnel and not chaplains, as directed by Senate Bill 763.
in South Carolinaeducation officials ponder policy on ‘age-appropriate’ books
https://www.wrdw.com/2023/11/09/sc-ed...
- A proposed policy from the South Carolina Board of Education would establish a uniform policy for determining whether a book is appropriate for students.
The policy, set for first reading at Tuesday’s board meeting, would establish consistent definitions to determine whether material available to students in school libraries and media centers is “age and developmentally appropriate” and “educationally suitable.”
The American Civil Liberties Union says the policy would override the judgments of local librarians and teachers and is an attempt to pull decision making away from local school boards.
“Local educators are trained in ensuring students have access to age-appropriate materials, and they already have processes in place to respond to concerns from parents,” ACLU Executive Director Jace Woodrum said. “This policy is a blatant attempt to seize power from local leaders. And we know why book banning organizations and their political allies like Superintendent Weaver would love a policy like this: Because when local school boards follow their own policies and listen to public input, the vast majority of challenged books are returned to classrooms.”
The policy would add a blanket ban on books with “descriptions or visual depictions of ‘sexual conduct’ or include descriptions or visual depictions that “could not be portrayed or read aloud on broadcast television or radio during daytime hours.”
“This policy would set arbitrary and narrow standards for age-appropriateness, effectively ending sex education,” Woodrum said. “In a time when students have unfettered access to so much information on their phones, we shouldn’t be depriving them of materials chosen by trained educators to help them understand themselves and others. Under this policy, everything from the Bible to The Kite Runner to Brave New World could be considered inappropriate and banned.”
The policy would require school districts to have an up-to-date list of books available prominently displayed on their websites and allow for residents inside the school district or parents and guardians to file complaints requesting the removal of materials they feel are inappropriate.
An appeal can then be made to the state board for those who aren’t satisfied with the decision made at the local level. The complainant would have 30 days from the local board meeting to ask for an appeal.
The state board would also have the final say on determining if local district officials or boards were compliant with requirements setting up disciplinarian actions from a written warning up to a hearing in front of the state board.
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Children's Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Out of the Blue (other topics)The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink (other topics)
My Rainbow (other topics)
Butt or Face? Volume 3: Super Gross Butts (other topics)
The Day the Books Disappeared (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jodi Picoult (other topics)Sarah J. Maas (other topics)
Ellen Hopkins (other topics)
Jodi Picoult (other topics)
Scott Stuart (other topics)
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Florida joins conservative states severing ties with national library group
Some states are severing ties with the American Library Association, in part, over the nonprofit’s president.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10...
The Florida Department of State, which oversees the state’s Division of Library and Information Services, quietly announced in October that it will “not allow grant project activities associated” with the American Library Association and its affiliates this year, including state chapters.
The agency, led by a DeSantis appointee Secretary of State Cord Byrd, a former Republican state representative, did not comment on the rule. The ALA did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“The decision is in response to the scrutiny related to the use of public funds to support these organizations,” state officials said, according to a memo from the Florida Library Association, the state’s ALA chapter.
“FLA believes that this limitation will hurt Florida libraries’ ability to serve our residents,” Jenny Abdelnour, executive director of the Florida Library Association, wrote in an email sent to members surrounding the rule. Abdelnour declined to comment further on the policy change.
While the state takes its action against the ALA, library systems in at least three counties have already cancelled memberships with the organization.
Most recently, commissioners in Collier County unanimously voted to immediately leave the association, joining Citrus and Hernando counties in making the move.
The same debate playing out across the country unfolded there, as one speaker encouraged Collier commissioners to drop the county’s membership, claiming the ALA promotes gay and sexually explicit books to children. Yet another, a librarian at a local Catholic school, who is an ALA member, said she was “appalled” by those comments, contending the organization was helpful and professional.
Collier pays about $1,600 a year to be an ALA member, fees that net discounted rates for library staffers to attend conferences and seminars and reduced costs on some library materials, according to local WGCU, which reported on the county commission meeting.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10...