Children's Books discussion
Banned Books: discussions, lists
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Discussion of censorship, equity, and other concerns.
MissouriWhat’s in those books patrons of Christian County Library complained about?
https://sgfcitizen.org/government/chr...
Be sure you look at the photos in the article! There's nothing in them worth removing from the eyes of children!
Of 21 book titles subject to requests in the past two years, 17 were retained after review by library staff, two were relocated and two were removed.
Since 2023, patrons have asked the Christian County Library District to reconsider the suitability of 21 titles in its collection for children and teens.
Citing homosexual themes, nudity, s--ual content, violence, gender identity topics and more, the patrons who submitted requests for reconsideration want the books removed, relocated or labeled. Patrons’ names are redacted from the forms posted on the library website.
Most of those materials are at the heart of a controversy that resulted in the abrupt resignation of the library board’s president, a lawsuit against three board members, the firing of the library district’s attorney and contentious board meetings requiring a police presence.
Renee Brumett, executive director of the library district, said she appreciates patrons voicing concerns. With more than 80,000 books and other materials available in the Christian County Library District, it’s impossible for staff to look closely at everything, she said.
Library staff reviewed all the materials about which they received complaints and, as required by the Secretary of State, posted the reasons two titles were relocated, two removed and 17 retained.
Books relocated were:
“Sissy: A Coming of Gender Story” was on a display of adult books near the young adults section. After the complaint, the display was moved to a different location.
“Juliet Takes a Breath,” a coming-of-age graphic novel about a lesbian, was moved from the young adult section to the adult section. The complaint said the book had vulgar language, s--ual imagery, nudity, depictions of smoking marijuana, and divisive anti-white rhetoric.
“That’s a good example of how a request for reconsideration can be helpful to staff,” Brumett said. “Every once in a while, something isn’t quite what it was expected to be.”
Staff determined the content of two other books was appropriate, however, removed them from circulation due to lack of interest from library patrons.
“We have a regular cycle of what we call weeding,” Brumett said. “If nobody’s using it, and somebody’s complaining about it, we’ll remove it.”
Those removed were:
“I’m a Gay Wizard,” a book about wizards in a fictional land that was added to the collection because a patron requested it. The complaint about the book said it depicted scenes of violence and s-x.
“The Bare Naked Book,” an illustrated children’s book about body parts, was checked out only three times. The patron who complained said the book’s illustrations of nudity and “top surgery scars” and “alternate gender ideology” were inappropriate for children.
Staff determined the rest of the books should remain on the shelves despite the complaints.
In explanations posted on the library website, patrons were reminded that the library is for people with different viewpoints, backgrounds and lifestyles and it relies on parents and guardians to determine what materials are appropriate for their households.
Brumett said she and her staff respect the opinions of those speaking out about books they find offensive, but they consider all library patrons when making decisions about purchasing, retaining, removing or relocating library materials.
What some find offensive, others consider appropriate or educational, she said.
When it comes to what’s purchased for the collection, the Christian County library staff follows guidelines and considers a number of factors, including reviews, awards and items that are popular in other public libraries, Brumett said. They also take suggestions from patrons.
“The important thing is to realize that the library doesn’t want to make a judgment for any child or family,” Brumett said. “We want to make sure (library material) is available for people who are interested.”
I don't know if there will be any books left in the SC schools. Maybe only those kids never ever pick up?https://wpde.com/news/local/sc-board-...
SC Board to decide fate of two books in heated book banning controversy
The ongoing controversy surrounding the selection of books in South Carolina public schools is set to reach a new chapter as the State Board of Education prepares to make a final decision on two additional books. This decision is part of the state’s contentious process of reviewing instructional materials, which has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups. Some have even gone so far as to call the process undemocratic.
Jamie Gregory, president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, voiced her concerns during a meeting on Monday. She highlighted the shift in power to individual parents, who now have the ability to remove a book or instructional material from all public schools in the state.
“One parent now has the power to have a book or instructional material removed from every school in the entire state,” Gregory said, adding that this development poses a serious challenge for educators and librarians.
The two books under review this time are 'HMH Into Literature' (for 8th grade) and 'Crank' by Ellen Hopkins. The newly formed Instructional Materials Review Committee, responsible for evaluating these books, has recommended that 'HMH Into Literature' remain available in South Carolina schools. However, it has also recommended that 'Crank' only be offered to students with parental consent due to concerns about its content.
Gregory also criticized the regulation, stating that it undermines parents' rights. “Superintendent Weaver frequently mentions parents’ rights, but this regulation entirely removes parents' rights,” Gregory said.
The controversy revolves around a state regulation that mandates the removal of books or materials deemed to contain age-inappropriate content, particularly those depicting s--ual conduct. According to the Board, any book found to contain such material must be removed from shelves to comply with the regulation.
However, Josh Malkin, Advocacy Director for the ACLU of South Carolina, argues that the current system excludes key voices from the decision-making process. He emphasized the importance of maintaining access to books while they are being challenged and the need for a review process that considers literary value.
...
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver has remained firm in her stance on the regulation, defending it as a necessary and reasonable approach. ...
I doubt there are any books left in the Alabama public libraries either and now Disney movies are under fire too. Wait until they hear the rumor about the next Frozen movie! (view spoiler) What on earth is explicit in Frozen, Coco and Moana? Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White are far more problematic. Not to mention scary.An op ed piece
Opinion | Disney movies latest victim in rightwing library lunacy
An Alabama library system is moving Disney movies to appease the rightwing crowd that’s still attacking libraries.
it is now the policy of the Huntsville Library system that PG-rated movies – including some classic Disney animated films, like Moana, Frozen and Coco – are now being moved to the young adult section.
That section, under its new tiered card system, allows access only to Tier 2 and Tier 3 card holders. Adult cards aren’t available until a person turns 18. And no one under 18 can obtain a card for a tier level above Tier 1 without parental permission.
As Connie Chow, interim director of the Huntsville-Madison County Library system, told APR last week, the decision to move the movies comes in response to new guidelines imposed by the Alabama Public Library Service.
The new guidelines, the APLS said earlier this year, were passed in an effort to prevent kids from being exposed to s--ually explicit material. The guidelines carried with them threats of losing funding for libraries that failed to comply.
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Sure, there are a handful of true believing book nazis out there who want to govern every child based on their narrow view of the world. But the rest of these people fall into two categories.
First, are the political animals. They don’t care about any of this – not really. They’re just using it for the pandering and the outrage and the easy votes. It’s another culture war issue where they can both define and then lay claim to the moral high ground.
And there’s an added bonus for that first group: this nonsense produces more ignorant people, who are easy to scare, and thus, easy to control. Which brings us to the second category.
The fearful intolerant. They’re scared to death of everyone and everything that’s different, and they truly fear that the books with LGBTQ+ characters will turn their kids, and other kids, gay. They think that normalizing LGBTQ+ people creates more LGBTQ+ people, and not that it simply encourages more people to stop living lies and suppressing their feelings.
And for many of them, what they fear most is having to explore their own feelings, and particularly their own irrational hatred of other humans.
The truth is that for all of these people the library remains the biggest threat. Because within its walls are stories and truths and facts that lay bare the real world. Books that expose kids to the unknown people and worlds all around them. Books that remove the mysteries from different lifestyles and different religions and different people. Books that let them know it’ll all be OK and we’re all just people trying to get by. Books that make it really, really hard to hate, to ridicule, to bully and to belittle.
Books that make them want to be better humans.
https://www.alreporter.com/2024/12/02...
Texas And so it begins.
Abilene ISD superintendent supports adoption of Bluebonnet Learning with biblical references
https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/ne...
Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn has issued a statement regarding the use of Bluebonnet Learning after legislation was passed to incorporate certain biblical references into the materials.
The State Board of Education recently granted Bluebonnet Learning approval to use certain biblical references in school materials, including the Golden Rule and the story of the Good Samaritan. They cited these as important for a comprehensive education in cultural literacy. Bluebonnet Learning materials cover 100% of the state’s learning standards, and Kuhn has released a statement regarding this in Abilene schools.
I read this so you don't have to. The only "disgusting" thing is that these censors don't believe trans lives matter. https://www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
"Pinellas parents want children’s book on activism removed from schools
They say ‘The Artivist,’ which touches on police violence, voting rights and trans allyship, is too political for young kids."
A group of Pinellas County parents is asking the school district to remove a 41-page illustrated book that encourages children to change the world for the better.
They argue “The Artivist” by Nikkolas Smith, which they found in the Curtis Fundamental Elementary library, is too political.
Among their objections, the 2023 book depicts a young artist displaying his work as an ally of trans kids and declaring “My life is worth more than all the guns.”
“Protect trans kids is the most upsetting page in my opinion,” parent Jennifer Ellis wrote in her objection form, which the district received in early November. “I will not allow my kids to be indoctrinated or for them to be curious about very controversial topics. Trans children is completely inappropriate for anyone let alone small kids.” [Also more hurtful comments.]
She called for the district to remove it completely.
The district library catalog showed the book was available at Curtis, North Shore and Seventy-Fourth Street elementary schools. It is not part of any class lessons.
Spokesperson Isabel Mascareñas said it will remain on the shelves unless a review committee of parents and educators decides otherwise.
the challenges contend it touches on subjects that some parents find unsuitable for that age group, including voting rights and protests against police violence.
Ashley Stellick, one of four parents who complained, wrote that the book should not be allowed for any grade level, as it “will create further division in our schools.”
“The author did an amazing job with illustrating this book and there are some sweet messages throughout it,” parent Tracy Mueller wrote. “However, I feel that the issues portrayed in this book are not appropriate for elementary ages.”
Stellick and Mueller did not respond to calls or emails seeking comment.
Raegan Miller, a Pinellas parent who helps lead the anti-censorship Florida Freedom to Read Project, said her group would oppose efforts to remove “The Artivist.”
“It’s disheartening that some parents think they can limit what other peoples' children can read,” said Miller, who owns an autographed copy of the book. “The point of the book is telling kids to stand up for what they believe in.”
Reached at his California home, Smith said he has received such reactions before.... He’s also been contacted by teachers who told him they wanted to use “The Artivist” in their schools but have seen the orders blocked, often because of the page referring to transgender kids.
No other districts in Florida are listed as having pulled the book from their shelves.
Smith said his goal with the book is to encourage children to use their creativity to fight for justice for all, in areas that matter to them most.
“All of these things at their core are about wanting people to have freedom and equality,” he said. “It makes us laugh at how ridiculous it is that people could push back on these things. Unfortunately, not everybody has the same definition of what freedom is, what equality is, what a better world looks like.”
The kids who read the book get it, Smith said. ... “I would hope the adults also want what this is all about.”
SC school board restricts access to 'Crank,' asks for 'more evidence' on 2 book-ban requestsS.C. Board of Education on Dec. 3 declined to ban a recently approved eighth grade English textbook, though it will require parental consent for students to access a book about a cautionary tale of drug use.
https://www.postandcourier.com/educat...
Knox County schools receive list of books to ban from libraries under state lawKnox County’s board of education voted in July, passing a policy to remove “explicit” books from everyday student access.
https://www.wvlt.tv/2024/12/04/knox-c...
Some of the books on the list of nearly 50 titles might surprise parents. Among those to be removed are Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic [<<--- How does this meet the definition of explicit exactly? I own this book and read it as a kid and as an adult! It's been challenged before for other reasons. ]
, and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five.
Specifically, KCS’s policy bans books that (view spoiler)
At the time of the policy vote, former board member Susan Horn said the decision to remove books was mostly motivated by the requirement from the state.
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As for Tennessee legislators, they claim removing the books is all about keeping parents' voices heard across state school districts, giving them more power to opt their children out of instruction that isn’t in line with their values.
Existing state policies also allow parents to make requests for changes to what materials their children are exposed to in the classroom.
On the other side of the issue, book ban policies have been accused of limiting the voices of marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ+ community. One of the titles on Knox County’s list is Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, a graphic novel autobiography recounting Kobabe’s own journey with gender and s--ual identity.
State Board of Education wants to overtake school library book ratingsIf approved, the board would be permitted to determine whether a book is appropriate in the state's public schools.
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/sta...
An old story that slipped past my radar.January 2024
Newark, NJ
Newark residents outraged over removal of teen novel as board changes policy for controversial books
https://www.chalkbeat.org/newark/2024...
Newark school officials’ removal of a teen book about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy from its curriculum spurred a public outcry at a recent school board meeting. Moments later, the board axed the superintendent’s power to make decisions on controversial reading materials.
A school board spokeswoman says the policy change is unrelated to the book removal, which drew dozens of community members to a board meeting last week. Educators and parents, outraged over the district pulling the book from the sixth grade curriculum, said the decision evokes book bans, which have been on the rise in recent years amid culture wars and campaigns for censorship over social justice issues.
After an hour and a half of public comments that at times became fiery, the nine-member Newark school board, which had just appointed two new members, voted to update its policy on books and other classroom materials that receive complaints from the public.
The policy originally assigned the superintendent to make final decisions on what happens to those materials that are challenged, but, with the amendment, that power transferred to the school board. Deering said the amendment came as a recommendation from the state School Boards Association.
Though the board says it’s unrelated, the policy change occurred as controversy brews over the fictional book, “A Little Piece of Ground” by Elizabeth Laird, and how or why it was removed from the curriculum.
In the summer of 2023, district school officials removed the novel, which was first published in 2003.
Educators and parents who spoke at the Jan. 25 meeting questioned why the book was removed from the sixth grade curriculum. They talked about its importance and relevance for students trying to understand the Israel-Hamas war and the violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip, even though the removal occurred before the war began on Oct. 7.
This week's news from BookRiot editor Kelly Jensen"A right-wing politician in Idaho saw a flier for an LGBTQ+ youth group at the Nampa Public Library and all h*** broke loose as he inflicted his cult on the library and group over it. The group was not even meeting at the library and it had no affiliation with the library"
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local...
Actual story is paywalled
Not sure why there's even a committee ..."Nampa, Idaho, the school district just updated their library policies to make accommodations for the state’s new hateful laws. The thing standing out in this to me is that the principal will create a committee for review (normal), but the principal will be able to make the final decision."
also paywalled
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local...
What the?https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/ne...
"Campbell County Public Library (WY) might need to stop using “liberal” professional review sources for collection development because the right-wing board doesn’t like facts."
The conservative group America First Legal took in $80K from a fundraiser to fight its federal book ban case—the one involving Llano County Public Library—and the county hasn’t seen any of that money.paywalled
https://subscribe.statesman.com/restr...
Goshen, Indiana Library chief to resign citing harassmenthttps://www.rep-am.com/localnews/2024...
Goshen Public Library Director Tabitha Guarnieri will be resigning after 18 eventful months on the job that were highlighted by controversy over the book “Gender Queer” being part of the library’s collection.
Guarnieri submitted a letter of resignation to First Selectman Todd Carusillo and the Library Board of Directors on Nov. 25. She plans to work through Dec. 31 before stepping down.
In her letter, Guarnieri said ongoing harassment from a member of the Library Board of Directors and a toxic environment in Town Hall prompted the resignation. The decision to resign, she wrote, was made in the best interest of her physical and mental health.
“This may seem sudden, but it in fact has been festering for nearly a year now after the way I was treated in public board meetings earlier this year and continue to be targeted by a board member,” Guarnieri wrote.
Guarnieri, reached for comment Monday, identified the board member as Lynette Miller, who has been critical of Guarnieri’s handling of the “Gender Queer” book issue that sparked much debate last winter at meetings of the Library Board of Directors.
Miller, in response to Guarnieri’s claim, said she was only doing her job as an elected official. Board meetings, Miller wrote in a statement, are the only venues where she can question library business.
“My job as an elected official is to protect the town from liability, which includes interference or acceptance of financial reports from parties outside of the town, to assure that we maintain operation of the library by being fiscally responsible, and assure adherence to library policies, practices and procedures, including confidentiality to all users,” Miller wrote.
The book was removed from the library in the summer of 2023 upon the order of First Selectman Todd Carusillo, who had received numerous complaints about its presence in the children’s books section of the library.
In February of this year, Friends of the Goshen Public Library donated a copy of the book to the library board. The book was returned to the shelves, but upon Guarnieri’s recommendation, it was placed in the adult fiction section on the library’s second floor.
Guarnieri, who reviewed 50 written complaints from residents about the book before making her recommendation, said she was verbally harassed and disrespected by Miller during the process while not being defended by the library board.
Henrietta Horvay, chairman of the Library Board of Directors, on Monday said she had no comment on Guarnieri’s resignation or the charges she leveled in her letter.
Guarnieri, in her letter, praised the library staff, saying that it has been supportive of her, and the rest of the members of the library board.
Carusillo disputed Guarnieri’s claim of a toxic environment in Town Hall.
Alabama they don't quithttps://www.alreporter.com/2024/12/03...
Supporters outflank critics at Fairhope Library Board meeting
Moms for Liberty and Clean Up Alabama have called for the board chair to resign, expressing frustration that challenged books have not been moved.
Moms for Liberty Baldwin County put out a call on Monday morning as the group tries to force change at the Fairhope Library: “Warriors, we need you to attend today’s Library Board meeting…”
But when the board met Monday afternoon, supporters of the library and board chair Anne Johnson heavily outnumbered any critics present.
“While I understand and share the desire to protect children from the horrors of the world—such as s--ual assault and child abuse—we must recognize that removing books does not achieve this goal,” said Cheryl Corvo, a local swim instructor. “History has shown us that book banning often does more harm than good, leaving children less informed and more vulnerable.”
Corvo was one of about 10 speakers to share support for the library or oppose censorship, while only three speakers came forward with criticisms.
One individual complained about a book in the juvenile nonfiction that details how transgender people go about changing their bodily appearance to match how they feel. Though the speaker could not name the book in question and admitted she had not read it in its entirety, her description matched “Parts & Hearts,” one of the books that has been singled out by Baldwin’s Moms for Liberty Chapter in its campaign to force Johnson’s resignation.
The book is one of two highlighted by Moms for Liberty and Clean Up Alabama as “s-----ally explicit” and therefore out of step with the state aid requirements recently updated by the Alabama Public Library Service.
The two groups have also called for the Johnson’s resignation over the board’s support of the library’s decision to keep “Parts and Hearts” and “Grown” in the youth sections despite challenges to the books.
“I also want to emphasize that trying to have someone fired or removed because you don’t get your individual way is not the answer,” Corvo said. “Our librarians and library leaders are trained professionals who have dedicated their time and energy to serving our entire community. The process for adding or removing books is thorough, thoughtful, and designed to balance diverse perspectives.”
Randal Wright, president of the Friends of the Fairhope Public Library, said in a letter before the meeting that she worries “that we could become the next Prattville where the director was fired first and then all the library employees were fired and the library closed.”
“The library recently implemented changes to policy, approved by the Alabama Public Library Service board, for parents to choose the level of access their kids have to the library collections,” Wright said. “Therefore, the demands made by groups like Clean Up Alabama and Moms for Liberty are irrelevant and seem intended to stir up drama in our community, fueled by misinformation and fear.”
The board meeting did not directly address the scenario, although the board voted to form a subcommittee to add another layer to its process of reviewing challenges.
Also in Alabama, book banners wanted to ban an LGBTQ+ group from taking part in a local Christmas parade. A federal judge says they must allow the LGBT group to participate.https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/12/a...
Prattville Pride was the first local group to pay the fee to join the city of Pratville’s annual Christmas parade. The group also said it will abide by the parade’s rules. However, when an anti-LGBTQ+ group called Clean Up Alabama found out about the Pride group’s inclusion, it sent out an email asking its supporters to pressure the parade’s organizers to remove Prattville Pride from the event.
Clean Up Alabama claimed that Prattville Pride would display transgender Pride flags or drag queens in violation of the parade’s “family friendly” policies against political messaging and “lewd and offensive” entries.
The town’s Mayor Bill Gillespie initially said the city will “ensure all persons are served and respected equally while maintaining a safe Christmas parade event for us all.” However, on Wednesday, Prattville Pride asked the city for extra security during the parade. Then, on Thursday morning, the city government informed Prattville Pride that it was no longer allowed to participate.
“The City will not put the rights of parade participants ahead of the safety of its citizens,” the statement continued. “Because of the safety concerns for Prattville Pride, other parade participants, as well as parade bystanders, the City has made the decision to remove Prattville Pride from the Christmas parade.”
“This decision was made with careful thought and consideration while balancing the rights of parade participants against the overall safety of everyone involved at the parade,” the statement concluded. “The City will always respect freedoms and rights of expression. However, as in this instance, it must put the overall safety of its citizens first.”
In response, Prattville Pride filed for an injunction at a federal court, demanding to be allowed back into the parade. The group said it still plans on building its parade float in the hopes that the court will allow their re-entry.
“We had the purest of intentions in signing up: visibility, representation, offering a fun opportunity for our community to get involved with a tradition in Prattville,” said Prattville Pride’s vice president, Caryl Lawson. “We believe that we have a very strong case. The Constitution supports our case, and we’re very hopeful that the injunction gets approved in time for us to participate.”
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/f...
Federal judge rules Alabama city must allow gay pride float at Christmas parade
An Alabama pride group will be allowed to participate in an annual Christmas parade, a federal judge has ruled
U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. ruled that the City of Prattville violated Prattville Pride's First Amendment right to free speech and 14th Amendment right to equal protection under the law when it banned the group from running a float in the annual Christmas parade one day before the event was set to take place.
“The City removed Prattville Pride from the parade based on its belief that certain members of the public who oppose Prattville Pride, and what is stands for, would react in a disruptive way. But discrimination based on a message’s content 'cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment,' ” Huffaker wrote in his opinion.
The ruling required the city to provide at least two police officers to escort the float throughout the parade.
Virginiahttps://www.lexingtonchronicle.com/st...
An attack on one teacher is an attack on all.' Chapin educators stand united after book choice backlash
At a Lexington-Richland Five School Board meeting last month, three Chapin High School teachers, Katherine Ramp, Lee Bryant and Sara Kimberlin, voiced their concerns, saying educators have been used as political pawns to aid in attacks on a certain teacher.
Ramp, Bryant and Kimberlin reached a point where they could no longer remain silent, they said, feeling a strong urge to speak out rather than not saying anything.
At the board meeting, all three teachers mentioned "attacks on Wood," adding they are unjust and should not be happening.
The controversy began days before Election Day, when Chapin High teacher Mary Wood’s image appeared on a flyer with the statement, “Controversy is rearing around our schools…it’s time to put our parents in the driver’s seat!”
The flyer was distributed to families by the Defeating Communism PAC, a political action committee.
On the Defeating Communism PAC website, a statement reads, “We need every freedom-loving American to join us and stand against the anti-American Marxist agenda.” While the flyer made Wood a focal point of the election, it also endorsed three candidates for the Lexington-Richland School District Five school board: Catherine Huddle, Ken Loveless, and Jason Baynham.
But why was Wood the target? In her English class, Wood assigned the book, Between the World and Me , written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a nonfiction book exploring the Black experience in the United States. However, district officials instructed Wood to stop assigning the book to students, because it violates a provision that prohibits discussions on a broad range of topics related to race. ”
According to the three teachers, Wood was targeted because of how well-known she was becoming in the community, which brought widespread media attention from national news outlets.
In response to the flyer, Huddle, Loveless and Baynham each issued public statements distancing themselves from the PAC. Loveless stated, “Any distractions to the campaign are unfortunate, but I will continue to stress our focus on teacher compensation and administrative support, workforce development and contractual expertise.”
Huddle also denied any relationship with the PAC, while Baynham clarified, “I contributed to an organization to support my campaign. I had no knowledge of what would be published.”
Despite their statements, Wood continued to receive hate and threats directed at her. According to statements made by teachers, Wood said she has been fearful of her and her family's safety.
However, according to colleagues, Wood remains committed to her role as a teacher, showing up each day to support her students despite the events that have occurred.
In an interview with the Chronicle, Ramp, Bryant and Kimberlin stood in solidarity with Wood, defending her character as an educator who is dedicated to creating a nurturing, supportive environment for her students.
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The teachers emphasized that while Wood has been facing intense challenges, she is not alone. Her colleagues have rallied around her and the educators said they have shown her support throughout this time.
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In a Facebook post made by Wood, she says, "For years, I've faced attacks on my character and my teaching intentions. For years, I've held my ground in the face of relentless discrediting of my morality. My purpose is to prepare ALL students for college or the workplace past high school."
Wood also made a statement regarding comments made against her father, Mike Satterfield, a current board member of the Lexington-Richland school board.
"But last night's school board meeting where my sweet father was accused of assault for using his voice to call out a central figure to all of the h-ll of this nonsense and those fliers, my father, whose integrity is second to none, I found the evil perpetuating culture wars against teachers is unrelenting," Wood stated.
During the board meeting, Catherine Huddle stated Mike Satterfield verbally attacked her. "He was inches from my face, screaming at me," Huddle told the community.
Satterfield responded and said, "As most people in the community know, there was a flyer put out that had a picture of my daughter. ... I said that was completely inappropriate and I was worried about my daughter's safety so I did express my concern."
Satterfield further said he did not raise his voice at Huddle or come close to her face.
All three teachers agree that the focus of the school board should be serving in the background, keeping the interests of the students, teachers and parents the focal point. After all, the district's mission is "to prepare all students to be college and career-ready by providing a challenging curriculum in a safe, secure, diverse, and equitable learning environment focused on academic, social, and emotional growth and development."
Bryant said this attack on Wood was not just an assault on one educator, but it impacted other educators.
“An attack on one teacher is an attack on all teachers,” Bryant said.
Better news - I hope- The NJ Governor is expected to sign their anti-book ban bill this month.
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/ar...
QNPoohBear wrote: "ArkansasThe book challenge nonsense in Crawford County Library System (AR) is already costing nearly HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. The county is threatening to defund the library.
https://www.arkansas..."
And it continues!
Crawford County library system director changes attorney, alleges ‘reckless’ actions
The back-and-forth over payment of legal fees in the Crawford County Library System case has taken several turns in recent weeks, including the library system director naming a new lawyer and alleging that the previous law firm did not represent the library’s interests.
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U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes III ruled Sept. 30 against Crawford County in a First Amendment lawsuit regarding the removal and relocation of books largely because of objections from citizens to LGBTQ content. Holmes ordered the books be returned to their original locations and plaintiff’s attorney fees be paid by the county. According to the court, the plaintiffs sought an award of $112,978.31, with $108,377.75 for attorneys fees and $4,600.56 for costs. The plaintiff’s attorneys are Terrance Cain of Little Rock and Brian Meadors of Memphis.
What has followed is a dispute between attorneys and county officials about legal fee amounts and who should pay the costs. Crawford County Judge Chris Keith and the Crawford County Quorum Court, then represented by Little Rock-based PPGMR, believe the library system should pay a portion of the legal fees. Keith said “there has never been a formal agreement that all litigation costs, expenses, and fee awards would be paid solely out of the county’s general fund.” On Nov. 27, PPGMR filed a motion asking the court to lower the legal fees of $108,377.75 requested by Cain and Meadors to $86,265.
Plaintiffs, represented by Cain and Meadors, filed a motion Oct. 29 asking the courts to make clear that the county cannot make threats to defund the library or force the library to pay the attorney fees. Cain and Meadors reminded the court of Quorum Court meeting minutes in which it was noted the library system would not be asked to pay legal fees.
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On Monday (Dec. 2), Crawford County Library System Director Charlene McDonough filed a motion with the court saying that PPGMR has “conflicting interests” because it was listed as the system’s attorney but went against the will of the system in agreeing to use library system funds to pay legal fees. Fort Smith attorney Josh Bugeja filed the motion on behalf of McDonough.
“With respect to the Library Director, the PPGMR firm finds itself in the position of advocating for taking money away from the library budget, which has been vehemently opposed by both the former Library Director and the present one, yet at the same time had a duty to advocate on the Library Director’s behalf,” noted the filing by Bugeja for McDonough.
The filing also asks the court to protect the library system “from the reckless and irresponsible actions by the County Judge and Quorum Court in their insistence on promoting and, ultimately, prolonging the indefensible and blatantly constitutional violation in this case, …”
On the same day, PPGMR filed a motion asking to no longer represent defendants in the case.
“PPGMR should be granted leave to withdraw as counsel of record because good cause exists. Specifically, irreconcilable differences have arisen between Defendants which have materially impacted PPGMR’s ability to represent Defendants in this case,” the law firm noted in the filing. “PPGMR is not in possession of any monies or property belonging to Defendants and is prepared to deliver all case files to Defendants or their new counsel.”
Also on Monday, Wahlmeier filed a motion with the court advising that he is now representing Judge Keith and the Quorum Court.
https://talkbusiness.net/2024/12/craw...
St. Joseph School District (MO) has finished their decision making on challenged books. They’re keeping If I Was Your Girl as is, but they are keeping All Boys Aren’t Blue with restriction 18+.https://www.kq2.com/news/sjsd-book-re...
An Ohio teacher has sued New Richmond Exempted Village Board of Education after the superintendent suspended her for three days without pay for having four books in her class library with LGBTQ+ characters.https://thebuckeyeflame.com/2024/12/0...
The case was filed on Monday, Dec. 2. The filing alleges that the school district and Superintendent Tracey Miller violated Karen Cahall’s rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by suspending her.
A third grade math and science teacher in the Southwest Ohio village for 34 years, Cahall was suspended on Nov. 6 for having the books “Ana on the Edge,” “The Fabulous Zed Watson,” “Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea” and “Too Bright to See” available to students. A parent emailed the superintendent complaining about the four books being present in bins with other books.
“This is not a situation I thought I would find myself in at this stage of my career,” Cahall told The Buckeye Flame. “I just am looking at having this resolved in a way that’s fair.”
According to the complaint, the books in question were intermingled with 100 other books, were not prominently displayed, were not required reading and were not part of any of Cahall’s instructional plans. Further, none of the books describe any s--ual conduct or s--ual activity.
Cahall doesn’t think students have even read any of the four books.
“I’m a math/science teacher who has always kept a library in my room for kids to pick up books when they have free time or when they want to read them,” Cahall said. “I do not believe [those four books] have even been read at this point.”
Still, Miller told Cahall that the very presence of the four books ran afoul of Board Policy 2240, which only permits teachers to use “controversial issues” in the classroom if they are related to instructional goals and do not intend to “indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.”
In Miller’s disciplinary letter to Cahall, Miller alleged:
Cahall acknowledged that the materials were controversial. (“My exact words were that they would be controversial to some people,” Cahall clarified.)
Cahall had previously asked for these books be placed in the library but was denied.
Cahall did not seek permission to place these four books in her class library.
“I also know that based on your experience in this community you understand the values that many hold,” Miller wrote to Cahall. “This too should have informed you of the controversial nature of some of the topics in these books. The Board of Education has made it clear that it values parental input and instills the values of the community in the programming of the District.”
In that letter, Miller then threatened Cahall with further action—including termination—if she continued to house those books in her classroom.
“I honestly love my job and the thought that I could lose it over this is just heartbreaking to me,” Cahall said. “And I really want to do everything I can to prevent [my termination] from happening while, at the same time, trying to make a positive change.”
Cahall’s lawsuit argues Board Policy 2240 is unconstitutional because it is “unconstitutionally vague” and violates the Equal Protection Clause.
New Richmond’s “controversial issues” policy does not define what a “controversial issue” is, nor what counts as an “instructional program.”
“Because [the policy] allows for arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, [it is] in violation of the clearly established due process protections provided by the 14th Amendment,” the filing reads.
The filing further argues that Miller relying upon “the values that many hold” in “this community” does not hold water given New Richmond’s specific history around LGBTQ+ support.
...
“While it can be acknowledged that others within the New Richmond School District community may have sincerely held moral and religious beliefs that are different from those of [Cahall] with respect to members of the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ issues…the Equal Protection Clause…prohibits [Miller] from showing official hostility towards any religion or religious viewpoint – including those of [Cahall] – and further prohibits them from aiding, fostering, or promoting one religion or religious viewpoint over another,” the filing said.
The lawsuit contends that Cahall holds “sincere and deeply rooted moral and religious beliefs” that all children, including LGBTQ+ children and parents, “deserve to be respected, accepted and loved for who they are.”
Although this religious liberty stance is often used to argue against LGBTQ+ equality, here Cahall argued that her beliefs reinforce her approach.
“It is a deeply held belief of mine that all children – all children – deserve the same level of love and respect, and that’s why I couldn’t let this go,” Cahall said. “The fact that mentioning that some families have same sex parents is taboo is something that needs to change.”
Further, Cahall’s suit argues that she isn’t the only one in her school setting sharing her deeply rooted moral and religious beliefs. Administrators and teachers have repeatedly used their official New Richmond School District email addresses to promote “various religious or faith-based events” to other district staff and administrators.
One such event was the “Blessing of Monroe,” where participants were invited to pray in the school building before the new school year began.
Cahall’s lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages, a ruling that Board Policy No. 2240 is unconstitutional and an injunction on this policy being enforced again in the future.
Cahall is unabashed about her love for her colleagues (“the most loving, hardest working, best people”), her students, their families and the school district where she has worked for over three decades. It is because of that love that Cahall felt that she had to file this lawsuit.
“All families deserve the same level of love and respect, no matter their configuration,” Cahall said. “Their children deserve to be loved and represented. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could make this better.”
It figures. Oklahoma wants to make superintendents an elected positionhttps://fox40jackson.com/oklahoma-mea...
Unsurprising news.Colorado
https://rangemedia.co/liberty-lake-ci...
Liberty Lake library trustee ousted for wanting board to set library policy
Popular board member Kim Girard was a strong voice against book bans and for library autonomy during prominent controversies. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Cargill said ‘we need new blood’ on the board, which already had two vacant seats.
In a December 3 move that shocked library employees and advocates, the Liberty Lake City Council voted Kim Girard — a well-regarded and experienced librarian nearing the end of her first term — off the Liberty Lake Library Board of Trustees. The margin was 4-3. The council did not debate before voting. Girard gave a brief statement at the podium expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, the vote was called and seconds later, the trustee was ousted.
...
The surprising vote — normally a routine procedure to keep a trustee that takes place at the end of that trustee’s first term — stemmed from a series of controversies that began in 2021 over an effort to ban a book and whether the library board or the city council should control setting library policy. Girard, along with her fellow board members, had advocated that library boards should be inclusive of the community and independent from politics, which rankled conservatives on the city council who felt they should have more direct say over the rules that govern the library.
Two members of the city council told RANGE they voted against Girard because she wanted the trustees to have authority over the rules.
Before she moved to Eastern Washington in 2019, Girard had worked for three decades in schools and school libraries in Alaska. During her term as a trustee, Girard was known as a defender of library board autonomy and an advocate of keeping literature for underrepresented communities on shelves.
There are two other open positions on the five-member board, which were vacated earlier this year by Teresa Tapao-Hunt and Robert Skattum (both for personal reasons). Applicants are vetted by the mayor, trustees and Humble as library director and recommended for rotating positions by the mayor. The city council then votes to approve or deny them. Girard had been recommended for a second term by Mayor Cris Kaminskas. Kaminskas, who does not vote on the seven-member council except to break a tie, was absent for the vote.
The “about” section of the board’s website reads, “The purpose of the Library Board of Trustees is to help direct the funds and policies of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. In general, the Board of Trustees will have a role in determining the mission of the library, setting the policy that governs the library, and overseeing the general management of the library.”
The vote is not the final word on Girard’s tenure as a trustee: she may be able to reapply to the position and be voted back onto the board for the next term.
The four conservatives on the council, Mayor Pro Tempore Chris Cargill and council members Mike Kennedy, Wendy Van Orman and Jed Spencer voted to remove Girard. She said she was surprised Kennedy and Van Orman voted against her.
The three liberal council members, Annie Kurtz, Linda Ball and Dan Dunn, voted to keep Girard. After the vote, they exchanged befuddled glances, and Kurtz lifted her hands in the air. Ball called the vote “outrageous” and said she was “stunned.”
Kurtz said, “No discussion before the vote is not transparent.”
Dunn asked for an explanation from his colleagues, but three of the four city council members did not state a reason for voting no on a second term for Girard.
Kennedy was the only council member to rationalize his vote during the meeting.
“What we don’t need is competitors,” Kennedy said. “What we need is completers. … When we get individuals who come forward and get into the name calling and threatening to sue the city, I, as an individual, start lacking confidence.”
Kurtz and Girard believed Kennedy was accusing Girard of having threatened to sue the city.
After she was voted off the board, Girard defended herself from Kennedy at the dais, saying she had never threatened to sue the city.
“I don’t know how you heard I threatened to sue the city,” Girard told Kennedy, “but that’s just not how I live my life.”
In an interview with RANGE, she also said she had never called anyone names.
“I find that so offensive because [Kennedy] doesn’t even know me,” Girard said. “They don’t even know me as a human, and they just assume that because I question them or the library board questions them that we’re troublemakers.”
In an interview, Kennedy said his accusation of threatening to sue the city was not directed at Girard, but he would not say who he had accused of threatening the city. Asked why he voted no on Girard, he again declined to comment. He said any discussion of the vote should be hosted at city council meetings.
“We just decided to not go in that direction,” Kennedy said. “I did not direct it to her personally or any individual personally.” He said he wanted the situation to “evolve” before commenting further ...
Turmoil over the library since a resident’s attempt to ban a queer-affirming book in 2021 was so intense that, for a time, then-City Council Member Cargill refused to vote on any recommendations from Kaminskas. Cargill is also the founder of the conservative thinktank Mountain States Center (MSC). In that role, he consulted on Project 2025, the vast policy framework giving shape to the incoming Trump administration. (Cargill told RANGE MSC’s contribution was simply to tell the framers of Project 2025 what kinds of policies MSC advocates for. He did not know if any of MSC’s recommendations helped shape Project 2025.)
Cargill was more direct than Kennedy about his reasons for voting against Girard.
“My vote was based on the fact that I think we need new blood on the library board,” Cargill told RANGE. “We’ve seen over the past year or two some of the challenges that the board has had with us and that we’ve had with the board as well. My feeling was just that we needed to have a clean slate on some of those issues and try to find folks who would be able to inject some new ideas into the process.”
Asked if he was referring to the controversies over the book ban and library board autonomy over policy, Cargill said, “Yes.”
Van Orman, a former mayor of Liberty Lake, was also explicit in an interview with RANGE about her reason for voting against Girard. She took issue with the library board’s actions in 2022 after Liberty Lake resident Erin Zasada sought to ban the book Gender Queer — the most challenged book in the United States, according to the American Library Association (ALA). The city council took a vote on the book challenge, choosing to keep Gender Queer in the library. (Cargill and Van Orman voted to ban the book.)
After that vote, the board of trustees clarified, during a regular policy review, the process through which citizens can challenge books in the library. Specifically, the board made it clear that the trustees have the final say over what appears on library shelves. Van Orman did not like this, saying the city council’s vote to keep the book “should have been the end of it.”
...
Van Orman emphasized that she did not coordinate with the other members who voted against Girard before the meeting.
When it learned the board had clarified its policy, the city council voted to give itself final decision-making power over library policy in December 2023. The board kept its authority as the final arbiter of content. But it was a controversial move, not only because some disagreed with that decision-making structure but also because the conservatives on the board did it during a short window of time during which they had a supermajority that could override a mayoral veto.
Earlier in 2023... the conservatives on the council argued that citizens should be able to hold decision-makers accountable for what books are in the library. Because the trustees are appointed by the city council in Liberty Lake, voters can’t directly exert power over their decision-making processes. From this perspective, they said at the time, it was more democratic to give policy making authority to people who voters can fire.
After the December 3 vote that pushed Girard off the council, Liberty Lake resident Lynn Atkins forwarded RANGE a message she said she had posted to a private Facebook group called Liberty Lake Community expressing dismay at the vote, writing, in part, “There was no indication, reasons or discussion provided for why they would not approve her prior to the vote.”
Atkins told RANGE it was removed. The group has more than 11,000 members, and Van Orman and Cargill are group moderators. Atkins texted Van Orman to ask why the post was removed; Van Orman replied that her post violated the group’s rules on discussing “politics.”
Van Orman told RANGE the page’s algorithm deletes posts that are reported as violating the rules and pointed out that other, unrelated posts had been removed the same day.
At the December 4 meeting, no Liberty Lake residents spoke in favor of the vote.
Girard told RANGE the vote indicates the city council is still unfairly upset about the library board’s attempts at making its own policy.
Mod
This is totally and utterly STUPID and cancel culture run amok, and especially since The Book of Negroes was being used in grade twelve and not with middle grade readers but with teenagers who will after grade twelve be on their way to college and university.
Love how the London school board is claiming that The Book of Negroes is not being banned even though the teacher in question is being forbidden to use the book in her classroom.
One piece of good news only. This news is not great, of course.*sigh* The Samuels Public Library in Front Royal Virginia won Virginia Library of the Year by the Virginia Library Association (VLA). in 2024 for its commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patrons.
That was then. This is now.
"Va. county votes to exert control over library that defended LGBTQ+ books "- The Washington Post paywalled
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-...
Warren County, Va., supervisors voted early Wednesday to exert control over Samuels Public Library, which last year resisted efforts
Unpaywalled
Despite strong opposition, Warren County supervisors approved to create a whole new board to take over operations at a beloved nonprofit public library.
The board approved 4-1 to appoint new members that would handle services at Samuels Public Library including funding effective upon adoption. Cheryl Cullers voted against it.
However, there are still questions about how the new board will work since there’s already an existing Samuels board of trustees.
During the eight-hour long meeting that lasted after 1 a.m., some library supporters are convinced the proposal, first introduced last month, was rushed in an attempt to control the library after efforts to ban books.
“This rushed without discussion,” Warren County businessman Scott Jenkins testified. “The proposed ordinance is flawed.”
“I question the legitimacy of this process which scares me more than any book on any shelf in any library,” said Samuels Public Library treasurer Michelle Leasure.
Those against the plan asked to have supervisors veto it, table it, or even put it up for referendum.
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[L]ast month, Supervisors Richard Jamieson and Vicky Cook proposed having the new board with a report claiming Samuels has “governing issues.”
“The report that presented was biased and contained a lot of information that was omitted and it misrepresented facts,” Samuels Library Board of Trustees President Melody Hotek told WUSA9.
Critics who agree with the supervisors say since the library is largely publicly funded, the county needs better representation.
“If taxpayers provide the majority of funding for the library, whether it's 83% or 69%, it makes sense for them to have more representation than the current one board member,” James Fox of Warren County said in the meeting.
The Samuels Library board still questions what the next steps might look like since it’s unclear exactly when the new board will be appointed and who is being considered.
Samuels Public Library director Erin Rooney said if there’s too much government overreach, it could affect the library’s status as a nonprofit.
“A board such as this wouldn't have the governing authority over our current library board and that's where the questioning keeps going into place,” Rooney said. “They brought up policy and governance. What does that mean and look like? That's not being answered.”
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Virginia Republicans vote to take control of local library after losing fight to remove LGBTQ+ books
https://www.advocate.com/politics/sam...
The Washington Post reports that on Tuesday evening, nearly 100 residents from diverse backgrounds—including grandparents, home-schoolers, veterans, teachers, farmers, and students—attended a six-hour public hearing in Front Royal, about 50 miles from Washington, D.C. Their unified stance was to defend Samuels Public Library from what they believed was government overreach by the Warren County Board of Supervisors. Despite overwhelming public support for the library’s existing governance, the Republican supervisors advanced their plan to establish a new county-appointed library board with direct oversight over Samuels’ policies and budget.
Supervisor Richard Jamieson, who led the initiative with a comprehensive 58-page “2023 Library Debrief and Research” report, contended that the current 15-member nonprofit trustee structure of Samuels Public Library no longer aligns with taxpayer interests and lacks sufficient oversight. Joined by Supervisor Vicky Cook, who had previously supported the library’s inclusive stance on LGBTQ+ titles, Jamieson argued that a shift in governance was necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
The takeover threatens to displace Samuels as the primary library service provider by June, the end of the fiscal year. In response, the Post reports that Melody Hotek, president of Samuels’ board of trustees, announced that the library is exploring all possible options, including seeking private funding to achieve complete independence from county oversight.
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Despite the supervisors’ assertions of fiscal prudence and enhanced oversight, the community’s support for Samuels Public Library remains unshaken. Chip Stewart, a resident and fervent supporter of the library’s independence, launched a Change.org petition to thwart the Board of Supervisors’ actions. “Things were looking good for the Library’s future,” Stewart told The Advocate in an email. “But now, the trouble is returning.”
Another vocal advocate, Mark Nelson, underscored the library’s achievements, saying, “It’s the Library of the Year. You guys tried to ban some gay books, got beat, now this. Everybody knows the truth. Let it be,” the Post reports.
Jamieson justified the board’s move by citing potential cost savings through a competitive procurement process. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism and resistance from library supporters who view it as a thinly veiled attempt to exert political control and potentially purge LGBTQ+ books from the library’s collection.
During the public hearing, Jamieson maintained that the new board would operate constitutionally and categorically denied any intention to ban books. Nevertheless, his prior involvement in the 2023 efforts to challenge LGBTQ+ titles at Samuels has cast doubts over his true motivations, fostering distrust among the library’s advocates.
With the new governance structure, Samuels Public Library faces an uncertain and precarious future. Advocates argue that the library’s independence as a nonprofit entity is vital for sustaining its dedication to inclusive literature and serving a diverse community.
As the fiscal year approaches, the library trustees are preparing for potential upheavals and actively seeking continued support from the community and private donors.
OregonGrants Pass School District removes two books from high school library - OPB
https://www.opb.org/article/2024/12/1...
According to a Nov. 30 report from Director of Secondary Education Trisha Evens to Superintendent Tim Sweeney, in September two residents requested review of two books: All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson and Flamer by Mark Curato. Those residents don’t have children in the district, and they had not read the books they challenged.
The process for requesting review of a book includes filling out a Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials form.
The district then formed a 12-member committee to review those books, as well as two others that received complaints from the public: Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin and Lucky by Alice Sebold. A district representative said in a statement that these books “went through the process per directive from Superintendent Sweeney following policy KL (Public Complaints).”
The review committee included staff, teachers, administration, parents and the library media specialist.
After reading and discussing the books, the committee voted to remove two from the Grants Pass High School Library: All Boys Aren’t Blue and Lucky.
The district has not given specific reasons why those two books were removed. A district representative said in a statement, “Each committee member had the opportunity to discuss each book and share their thoughts and reasons. Votes were cast by secret ballot.”
All Boys Aren’t Blue has been checked out six times from the Grants Pass High School library since it was purchased in October 2020, according to district data. Lucky has been checked out 37 times since it was purchased in May 2007.
Flamer and Beyond Magenta will remain on the shelves.
This decision is final unless the complainants appeal it.
Minnesota - Banning Night? What the WHAT?!!!!
BookLooks is not a valid professional review site!
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2024/1...
Book bans at St. Francis Area Schools decided by conservative national group
n Anoka County school district is now letting a conservative-aligned national group decide which books are allowed in its libraries after the school board at St. Francis Area Schools began relying on ratings from Book Looks. The Holocaust story “Night” by Elie Wiesel is subject to a ban based on the Book Looks rating, as is “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2024/1...
https://www.fox9.com/news/book-bans-a...
St. Francis Area Schools are now bypassing a local committee to have a conservative-aligned parents group decide on books being banned in school libraries.
Book Looks rates the suitability of books on a scale of 1 to 5, with anything 3 and above now out in St. Francis Area Schools.
Among the books are a Holocaust memoir that was cited over concerns about violence, controversial religious commentary and references to hate.
"Night" scores a "3" on the review site, which cites concerns about violence, controversial religious commentary, and references to hate.
Newly adopted rules in St. Francis Area Schools say its libraries could not buy the Holocaust survivor’s memoir, and it would be removed if challenged by a parent.
"So that's telling me that we do not want to have a book in our library that is a true story of a Holocaust survivor," said school board member Nathan Burr, who voted in the minority alongside chair Mike Starr and vice chair Jill Anderson.
Amy Kelly, Rob Schoenrock, Pamela Johnson, and Annette West led the school board to a 4-3 vote to bypass the locally chosen review committee in favor of Book Looks, which was started by a former member of the conservative group Moms for Liberty.
The school district’s attorneys advised against the decision, saying it may violate the First Amendment and a 2024 state law banning book bans based on viewpoints.
But for at least some in the majority, s--ual content in the book "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" was too much to allow, and when the local committee disagreed, they pushed for a new review system.
"The only book so far isn't a history book," Board Member Kelly said. "It isn't anything of that. It's a s--ually explicit book that our committee said, 'Ope, that's fine. It stays in the library.' We're red here, just to let you know. We're not going to always be on the same page, but I know we're conservative. They don't want this stuff in the libraries."
Book Looks has reviewed almost 800 books and rated them from 1 to 5 – anything 3 or above is out in St. Francis.
Superintendent Karsten Anderson emphasized to FOX 9 that he opposed giving Book Looks final say in whether books stay.
Both the superintendent and FOX 9 have reached out to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to see if they believe the new policy violates the state’s ban on book bans, but so far the department has not responded.
This is... sad and I've heard it's happening here in very blue city in very blue state too. Gender Queer was not ordered for high schools.As book bans soar, schools, libraries buy fewer books on LGBTQ+, race - Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/california/st...
Matt de la Peña on the unexpected reason why his picture book was banned
Book bans are tanking sales of children’s books. Schools and libraries aren’t buying books about LGBTQ+ issues and race as they brace for culture war pushback.
In recent years, owner Maureen Palacios said, some schools have hesitated to purchase certain books — especially those with LGBTQ+ themes. And when Palacios writes them to schedule an author visit, some schools are now requesting that the authors leave behind any books they've written about LGBTQ+ characters.
Paywalled
Concerned, but resolved: Librarians facing criticism and book banshttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Amber Frey was at a City Council meeting in Prattville, Alabama, a suburb of Montgomery with about 40,000 people, listening as parents expressed concerns over books at their public library.
Something fellow Prattville resident Angie Hayden said struck a chord with Frey, who, like Hayden, has a child she described as "part of the LGBTQ+ community."
"There is more than one kind of 'concerned parent,'" Frey recalled Hayden saying.
"That inspired me," Frey said, and after the meeting, the mother of four approached Hayden. The two women would be among the co-founders of Read Freely Alabama, an all-volunteer group working to combat efforts to ban books in public libraries in the state.
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“We know that many of our members are concerned that the election results portend attacks on libraries, library workers and readers,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said in a statement. “Whatever happens, ALA will stand up for all Americans’ freedom to read – and we will need everyone who loves libraries to stand with us.”
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In Alabama, book ban proposals left librarians in the state "terrified and discouraged," said Jessica Hayes, an academic librarian and a Read Freely Alabama co-founder.
Librarians have always been the subject of stereotypes, said Hayes, who's also an advocacy coordinator for the Alabama Library Association. "But we have never been misunderstood to the extent that we're seen as enemies."
Read Freely Alabama was a reaction to Clean Up Prattville and later, Clean Up Alabama, groups who say their mission is to "clean up Alabama's public libraries" by removing books they deem "p____graphic, obscene (or) indecent" and changing leadership and policies in the state's public libraries.
Clean Up Alabama says the state's libraries should withdraw from the American Library Association, which it says "uses its influence to push leftist progressive values in otherwise traditional communities" and "believes children should be able to view p___graphy in the name of freedom of expression."
Alabama's Legislature has also weighed bills that might result in the arrest of librarians who allow children access to books that are deemed "harmful to minors."
The efforts, said EveryLibrary executive director John Chrastka, are "part of a broader social movement," and the idea that removing books from library shelves will protect children is "a wolf in sheep’s clothing" way to squelch marginalized voices: first, those of racial and ethic minorities and now transgender, gay, queer and gender nonconforming people.
"It was not initially about kids, it was about removing titles universally from libraries with the argument that the books were harmful or obscene," Chrastka said.
The titles in question were "often about the history of race in this country, but the First Amendment very clearly protects access for adults. I think they weren’t conversant in (First Amendment cases) at first. So they’ve moved to 'protecting kids,' and they’ve lost a lot of fights around race," so the focus has turned to books with themes dealing with gender and sexuality, he said.
Becky Calzada is the president of the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, and district library coordinator for Leander (Texas) Independent School District. She's also a co-founder of Texas #FReadom Fighters, a group of librarians in the state who support other librarians, students and authors and advocate against book bans.
"Libraries are places of voluntary inquiry," she said. "No one is forced to read or check out a particular book. We have books for a variety of people, books with information, books with stories for all kinds of students. And we follow guidelines set in place by school boards and library boards."
Still, she said, "we defend the right of any reader to have access to any book. When it's one person or a few people trying to say what's best for everyone, that's where we draw a line."
Librarians, whether in schools or in public libraries, "have to be transparent so people have an understanding of the systems in place. We want to be partners with our patrons and parents. Come talk to us; tell us what you as a parent want for your student."
Hayes, the Read Freely Alabama co-founder and academic librarian, pointed to their professionalism, training and years of experience in dealing with the public, of all ages.
Many of the books people have objected to based on their appropriateness for children are shelved in adult sections, she said. Kids generally aren't actively seeking out adult-oriented books, and parents can always talk with librarians if there are titles, subjects or authors they have concerns about.
"People have to engage with their libraries, and keep supporting them," Hayes said, and resist efforts to undermine people's trust in public institutions. "Get a library card, attend local government meetings, hear what's going on and speak up."
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American Library Association President Cindy Hohl told USA TODAY it's important to recognize libraries' role as public assets and as places where all people should feel seen, heard and welcomed. She also encouraged people to get to know their local library and the people who work there.
"We are here to provide a public service," said Hohl, an Iowa native who's been with the Kansas City (Missouri) Library for seven years and is its director of policy analysis and operational support.
"Every library serves the community it surrounds, and the people who use it come in every day with their questions, their needs, to access the internet, to connect with services," she said. "We can ascertain what we need in our community and as we see those needs evolve, we want to make sure we're as flexible as possible."
She wants librarians to know "there is hope for our profession."
"Every American should want to live in a strong community with a strong library," Hohl said. "Not everyone can afford access to books, to the internet, to literacy. It's amazing when you think about the impact of libraries. We are a safety net in our communities."
Reminder to everyone at these meetings: This guy is getting PAID to stir up controversy and distract from the real issues.Tennessee
https://fox17.com/news/local/2024-dec...
That is a lie!' Out-of-state pastor challenges library book in Murfreesboro school
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Murfreesboro School Board has a rule in place that says members of the public can speak as long as they are talking about something on the board's agenda.
Pastor John Amanchukwu got up and wanted to talk about a book that he thought should be banned from the schools. The book is called "It Feels Good to Be Yourself."
"Some people are boys, some people are girls, some people both, neither are somewhere in between," Pastor John Amanchukwu recited from the book. "This book is for kids ages 4 through 8, and that is a lie. It's only male or female, according to Genesis 1:27."
He says the book is on the library shelf at the Bradley Academy in Murfreesboro.
Pastor Amanchukwu has been called the "Book Ban Pastor" on social media. He's spoken out against books in Maryland, Florida and in his home state of North Carolina.
He stopped in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Tuesday to speak against the book "It Feels Good to Be Yourself."
The topic wasn't on the agenda, and when the pastor wouldn't stop talking, the board took a recess.
QNPoohBear wrote: "Reminder to everyone at these meetings: This guy is getting PAID to stir up controversy and distract from the real issues.Tennessee
https://fox17.com/news/local/2024-dec......"
Uh, God makes hemaphrodites. Seems to me He must be cool with trans kids then. Who is this pastor to question God? Sounds like a secret pagan to me doing the Devil's work in trying to discredit God.
Mod
So now, instead of The Book of Negroes just being banned in London, Ontario (Catholic School Board), the teacher who spoke out and contacted the author has been put on paid leave.
This book was used in grade twelve, the author is African Canadian and the N-word makes sense regarding context and history.
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/s...
Students have signed a petition, but I sure hope they do more to support Lawrence Hill and The Book of Negroes, support the teacher being "disciplined" (like perhaps simply refusing to talk about anything but The Book of Negroes in class with the teacher who is taking over for Ms. Hamilton) and yes publicly and privately shaming and denigrating ALL individual school board members involved in this and of course anyone who supported the book ban in the first place (and no matter who they are).
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/n...
I think the school board should also be MANDATED to publicly present exactly HOW MANY complaints there actually were regarding The Book of Negroes. For if there were only very few complaints, so what!!
Honestly, I hope the controversy goes on and on and with very negative and horrible consequences for school board members and anyone who supported The Book of Negroes being banned.
Manybooks wrote: "https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/t...So now, instead of The Book of Negroes just being banned in London, Ontario ..."
I know it's stupid American naivete, but I didn't think this could happen in Canada. We Americans think of Canada as heaven but with fewer clouds and more snow and poutine.
Ivonne wrote: "I know it's stupid American naivete, but I didn't think this could happen in Canada. We Americans think of Canada as heaven but with fewer clouds and more snow and poutine."Oh no. This stuff happens in EVERY SINGLE English speaking country! The rest of the world that has authoritarian governments to begin with has the government banning books for them. Actually the parental rights people were mentioned in an article about Korea, I think. So they're everywhere!
Is this a biproduct of every kid getting a trophy for participating? They insist on getting their own way every single time because that's how they were brought up? Now their kids are precious snowflakes who can do no wrong and need to be insulated from the cruel world even more than they were?
Even though Illinois has an anti-book ban law - there are candidates running for suburban school boards in the spring election that want to ban books.https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/1...
QNPoohBear wrote: "Is this a biproduct of every kid getting a trophy for participating? They insist on getting their own way every single time because that's how they were brought up? Now their kids are precious snowflakes who can do no wrong and need to be insulated from the cruel world even more than they were?"I think instead it's using kids as an excuse to start with. Notice they want to ban books in schools. At first. Then it's getting completely out of the public library so no one can read them. Same with trans excuses. First, it was kids. Now they're banning gender-affirming care for adults, too. It's all about control.
25 more books are on the shortlist for consideration of being banned state wide in Utah public schools. https://www.kuer.org/education/2024-1...
With Utah’s statewide book bans, 2 school districts have steered the conversation
Fourteen books have already been banned in Utah’s K-12 schools under a new law that went into effect this summer. According to a KUER analysis of public records, another 25 are on the shortlist. What’s more, the bulk of the reports to the Utah State Board of Education come from just two school districts.
For a statewide ban, titles have to first be removed from either three school districts or two districts and five charter schools for being “objective sensitive material.” That means the work is considered (view spoiler)
The Utah State Board of Education keeps track of reports and alerts schools when a title has met the threshold for statewide removal. Through a public records request, KUER obtained a list of books school districts have deemed “objective sensitive material.”
Out of 163 reports for “objective sensitive material” from nine districts, 102 titles have been reported. These 25 books essentially have two strikes:
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
“A Stolen Life: A Memoir” by Jaycee Lee Dugard
“Boy Toy” by Barry Lyga
“Damsel” by Elena K. Arnold
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer
“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi
“House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J. Maas
“It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
“Life is Funny” by E.R. Frank
“Like a Love Story” by Abdi Nazemian
“Looking for Alaska” by John Green
“Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult
“Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez
Push (Precious, Book 1)” by Sapphire
“Red Hood” by Elana K. Arnold
“Shine” by Lauren Myracle
“Sold” by Patricia McCormick
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
“The Carnival at Bray” by Jessie Ann Foley
“The Handmaid’s Tale (Graphic Novel)” by Margaret Atwood, Renee Nault
“The Haters” by Jesse Andrews
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher
“Tricks (Tricks, Book 1)” by Ellen Hopkins
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire
(Some of these are adult books.)
The Davis School District made 77 of the reports and the Washington County School District made 51. Together, the two districts account for 78.5% of all reports. All 14 books that have already been banned statewide were reported by the two districts.
According to enrollment numbers the two districts represent 15.8% of the state’s public K-12 student population.
Part of the reason for the high number of reports could be because both districts reviewed books under what is now the “objective sensitive material” criteria, or what has been called the “bright line” rule, even before the law allowing for statewide bans was passed.
According to an FAQ page from the state board, there may be some school districts that removed books before the 2024 law and didn’t report them to the state board because they used different review criteria or didn’t have sufficient documentation from that review. In order to report a book, the district has to deem it meets the “objective sensitive material” definition and provide evidence.
Schools could still be reviewing books under the new criteria.
Peter Bromberg, associate director of EveryLibrary, a national nonprofit, and member of the Let Utah Read advocacy group, was not surprised to see Davis and Washington so heavily represented. From his own tracking, he said the two districts are some of the most active in pulling books. Bromberg also thinks the numbers speak to the political organizing in the two counties. The conservative Utah Parents United group is based in Davis County.
State Representative Jared Patterson wants to a book ban list going in Texas.https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/t...
House Bill 183, was filed by Representative Jared Patterson of Frisco, whose name you may recognize from the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources, or READER Act, that was passed in 2023. The act requires booksellers to rate the appropriateness of books based on s--ual content prior to selling the books to schools, but key portions of the bill have been blocked by state appeals courts.
Enforceable portions prohibit school libraries from keeping books with depictions or descriptions of s-x or s--ual activity on shelves.
Patterson, who admitted to having never read Lonesome Dove but still wants to ban it, isn’t stopping with the READER act; a statement on his website announcing H.B. 183 stated that the Representative is instead “doubling down” on book banning.
“We have heard [about H.B. 183] and are gearing up to stand up to Patterson just like we did in 2023,” a spokesperson for the advocacy group Students Engaged in Advancing Texas — which drafted several failed amendments to the READER Act — told the Observer.
H.B. 183 would create a statewide library material review process under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education. The Board currently reviews textbooks for approval, and proponents of a statewide library review measure have likened the proposed process to the one the State Board currently uses to approve curriculum.
Library content management has been a task for local school boards, but the State Board has come out in favor of having more control over what books are allowed in public schools. Last month, the board asked the Legislature to approve a measure such as Patterson’s in the upcoming legislative session.
“This board knows how to vet material. We have processes. We know how to do that. We can create a transparent process to do that work,” Board Member Tom Maynard told the Texas Tribune last month.
Patterson’s bill would allow parents to submit content challenges directly to the State Board, and there is no listed limit for the number of books a parent could submit for review. Submitted titles would have to be removed from libraries across the state until the Board delivers a ruling; if the board rules that a book is inappropriate, it would be permanently removed.
The result would be a book ban list that spans every public school district in the state.
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Several other bills could be helping to tee up Texas’ book-banning bonanza. Senate Bill 88, filed by Sen. Bob Hall of Edgewood, would lower the barrier for books or content to be deemed offensive for minors.
Texas currently outlaws the distribution of content that is “harmful to minors” to anyone under 18, but the material’s dominant theme must be considered harmful in order to qualify. Hall wants to remove that little clarification at the end, so that any book with mature themes — regardless of context, intent or the book’s overall theme — would be illegal to give or sell to a minor.
Nor is this change applicable only to public schools: bookstores and libraries would be held to the same standard.
Another Patterson proposal, H.B. 267, would eliminate the argument that an adult or educator had a “scientific, educational, governmental or other similar” reason to distribute the aforementioned “harmful” material to minors.
“These bills won’t actually do much unless SB 88 or a bill like it also passes,” Frank Strong, co-founder of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, wrote on Substack last week. “But if the definition of “harmful to minors” changes to include Toni Morrison or Alice Walker books, all bets are off.”
WisconsinPlatteville committee considering requests to remove books from middle school library
https://www.superhits106.com/2024/12/...
Dozens of community members attended a meeting Wednesday initiating a process to determine whether several books should remain in the Platteville Middle School library following multiple complaints. From Nov. 15 to Monday, four Platteville households filled out library material reconsideration forms about several books, asking that they be removed from the school’s library. The materials submitted for reconsideration were:
“Heartstopper” books 1-4 by Alice Oseman
“It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie Harris
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
“Flamer” by Mike Curato
“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews
Mad Magazine
The complaints generally centered on concerns about s--ual content depicted in the materials. Others noted the use of curse words or other adult themes.
Bruce Friedman who got books banned in Clay County, Florida schools, including Kelly Jensen's own book Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy (because she wrote a “hit piece” on his book banning crusade) was invited to the Daily Show where he declared he doesn’t read the books he demands get banned!https://www.tallahassee.com/story/new...
"Well, in the last two years, I've challenged more than one book every calendar day," responded Bruce Friedman, a conservative activist who says he's filed more than 900 objections in Clay County.
Michael Kosta, a correspondent and co-host held up a children's "Star Wars" graphic novel: "I don't even know what the (expletive) you're talking about by challenging this," the comedian said.
Friedman took issue with the book because of an alien that was neither male nor female.
The school district decided to keep that book on its shelves. But it's pulled hundreds of others, including classics like the "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou.
"What is the big deal about having a random man named Bruce determine which books your kids read?" Kosta asked a group of book removal opponents he also interviewed.
"I want my children exposed to different mindsets, different points of view," said Gargi Chipalkatti, a Clay County parent. "So if some random person tells me that, 'No, this is not how you should parent your children,' I have a problem with that."
Kosta additionally noted that all the objections come at a financial cost to the county. While DeSantis and other conservatives deny that "book bans" are happening in Florida, the governor called for and later signed a measure reining in how many book objections can be filed in school districts.
While a number of books across Florida have been removed without official objections, this law has already cut down on how many have been challenged in Clay County.
Yet, Friedman had this message for the show: "Nothing's going to stop me."
When asked at the end of the interview if he might write a book about this experience, the book challenger said, "Sure."
"Would that book be banned from a public school library?" Kosta said.
Actually this has to be allowed or else the library has to ban ALL groups from using the library for reading circles, not just the ones they disagree with. We have seen this before with Kirk Cameron's Brave Books event.https://yle.fi/a/74-20129709?utm_sour...
Counter-protesters shut down far-right reading circle at Helsinki library
Protesters have shut down a reading of political propaganda organised by the racist and fascist Blue-Black movementat a library in central Helsinki.
Chants of "Helsinki without Nazis" and "the far right kills" were heard at Oodi library, as demonstrators also made peace signs and held up books including Hannah Arendt's "The Origins of Totalitarianism" to stop the reading circle.
... [T]here were around 40-50 people attending the Blue-Black reading circle, and many times that number protesting against them.
Security guards said that around 400-500 people were at the library in total.
By 13:15, the far-right attendees had decided to end their reading circle and leave the library.
Library director Anna-Maria Soininvaara asked the counter-protesters to quieten down at that point, or leave the library too.
The event was called for Independence Day by the Blue-Black movement, which was removed from Finland's register of political parties earlier this year because of its anti-democratic political programme.
Helsinki does not allow bookings of its premises from groups aimed at undermining the UN's International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, but because the group did not reserve any private spaces, the city's lawyers said they were unable to prohibit the event.
Anti-fascists immediately called on people to attend the library at the same time to prevent the event taking place.
The Left Alliance youth wing's southern Finland chapter reserved a room at the library to read The Far Right in Finland, a book published in 2013 detailing many of the key figures in extremist politics in Finland.
A nominee for the Hillsdale Public Library (MI) board was being asked questions about why he wants to be a trustee. The individual used to be into book banning, is in charge of a classical Christian academy (the kind angling for voucher money).https://www.hillsdale.net/story/news/...
HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale City Council chambers were akin to a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing Monday, Dec. 2, when Mayor Pro Tem Joshua Paladino presented his first-in-office nominee for appointment to the city’s library board.
Paladino asked the council to approve his appointment of Hillsdale Classical Academy Director Jaminda Springer and after a brief introduction, newly elected Councilman Bob Flynn announced that “a number” of his constituents had reached out to him to express that they did not believe she would be a good fit.
“There are a lot of people concerned with your nomination,” Flynn said. “They actually feel that you would be the wrong fit to be on the library board.”
In fact, Flynn said, some of his constituents said Springer was in favor of a book ban, referencing a controversy that erupted in 2022 when then board member Joshua Paladino proposed removing LGBTQIA+ books from the children’s section.
“No, I don’t want to ban books,” Springer answered. “I know there was talk of moving books in our library and I do support that.”
“I do think the library is a vessel of our community,” Springer continued. “But I do think there is a lot of politics in the education of librarians.”
Springer's nomination to the library board was eventually approved with Flynn being the only nay vote.
Her appointment came minutes after Paladino mentioned he would step away from the city’s library board to focus on his role as mayor pro tem, finishing out former Mayor Adam Stockford’s term through November 2026 in the wake of his resignation.
Paladino sparked controversy as a library board member in 2022 with his push to remove LGBTQIA+ books from the children’s section, instead stating that he believed parents should have the right to choose if and when to introduce their children to those materials. The controversy was hashed out in depth during meetings of the library board that were more than four hours long with mixed feelings from the community.
Later that year, Paladino edged out local political activist Penny Swan for a seat at the council table and in March 2023 the library board controversy spilled over into the council chambers when Paladino moved to strike language from an ordinance governing the library that allowed the Hillsdale Community Schools Board of Education to appoint one of their board members to the library board.
Paladino said at the time that he was simply trying to bring full control of the city’s boards and committees under the control of the city’s mayor who answered directly to the people of Hillsdale.
East Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania will not be making their annual donation to the Lancaster Public Library due to a drag queen storytime event from March that never happened because there was, a bomb threat. https://www.wgal.com/article/east-hem...
East Hempfield Township supervisors voted 3-2 Wednesday not to give the library $26,700 in funding, saying the library had not guaranteed it wouldn't try again to host a Drag Queen Story Hour.
The Drag Queen Story Hour was scheduled in March, but it was canceled when a suspicious package was found. Police determined the package contained coloring books.
Bomb threats were also made against the library on the day it planned to host the event.
Back in April, supervisors suspended the funding but said they would reconsider if the library promised to remain apolitical.
Jon Heinly, the library’s director of donor advising, wrote the board a letter, which states the library will operate in a nonpartisan and apolitical way. He also said the library does not plan to reschedule its Drag Queen Story Hour “as long as the political climate creates an unsafe environment for our patrons and staff.”
Heinly, however, could not promise that future library leadership would not attempt to hold the event.
“The response from the library is a good faith effort at dealing with the issue and a starting point for continued dialogue, which leads to a continued relationship with the Lancaster Public Library Board,” said Chair Tom Bennett, who supported funding for the library.
Other members voted against the funding since the library could not confirm that it wouldn’t hold the event in the future.
Scott Wiglesworth, who voted against the funding, said he wanted to continue a conversation with Heinly but could not vote for funding as the library had not apologized for its original mistake of holding the event.
...
The board ultimately agreed to move the library budget from 2024 to 2025 so it could discuss the matter further.
TennesseeWilliamson County Schools takes books off the shelves after special meeting
https://fox17.com/newsletter-daily/20...
The Williamson County School Board held a special meeting Monday night to decide the fate of five books some deemed controversial or inappropriate for children.
This decision is necessary to comply with state law after the legislature passed a bill that says school systems need to review books like the ones below called into question.
The following books were removed:
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"Perks of Being a Wallflower"
"Where the Crawdads Sing"
The following book were restricted:
"The Field Guide to the North American Teenager" - Accessible only to grades 11, 12
"Speak" - Accessible only to high schoolers
John Watson took the podium during the public comment period speaking for the restrictions.
“The school library system is not a therapy session," Watson says. "We're here to teach and educate."
School board member Eric Welch argued some of the books in question aren't dangerous and actually support "the educational mission."
VermontCute books that teach empathy
Parents complain about gender curriculum in kindergarten
https://www.addisonindependent.com/20...
Two Mary Hogan Elementary School parents/guardians have challenged gender-related instructional materials that are being used to educate kindergarten students at the Middlebury school.
The complaints, according to sources, relate to source material that includes the books “They He She Me: Free to be!” by Maya Christina Gonzales and Matthew Smith Gonzales; “Bodies are Cool” by Tyler Feder; “It Feels Good to Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn; “Julián is A Mermaid” by Jessica Love; “Introducing Teddy” by Jessica Walton; “Sparkle Boy” by Lesléa Newman; and “Fred Gets Dressed” by Peter Brown.
The Independent was told of a case of a parent requesting their child go to a different room when a study unit known as “Who We Are” is being taught among their peers.
Emily Blistein, director of communications and engagement for the Addison Central School District, confirmed the parents’ challenge of “instructional materials in our classrooms” through a Dec. 9 email exchange with the Independent.
“Challenges to books and other instructional materials come along periodically and are processed carefully,” she wrote.
The challenge of Mary Hogan’s Who We Are material has unleashed bitter arguments and insults hurled primarily through social media.
One of those opposing the school’s program is resident Kimberly Richards , a parent who in a Nov. 28 Facebook post stated, “My daughter started kindergarten this year at Mary Hogan Elementary School. I was nervous as most parents are, but I had no idea that we would become part of an underground hidden agenda type of curriculum at the kindergarten level. Fast forward to today where I feel absolutely sick about what I have uncovered going on at this school.”
Some of her subsequent posts feature memes, including one depicting a child holding a sign reading, “I’m not old enough to drink let alone choose my sexuality or gender. How about you let me enjoy being a child and leave me alone?”
Richards’s Facebook wall also includes numerous posts of a photo of Mary Hogan kindergarten teacher Franny Gould, with a derogatory message superimposed over it.
On the other side of the issue, some members of the Mary Hogan community received a Dec. 6 email from resident Amanda Reinhardt, who encouraged parents to “rally against a small group of parents … spreading misinformation and making hurtful defamatory statements about the teacher, Franny Gould. They have also misrepresented the school principal, Jen Kravitz.”
Reinhardt encouraged parents to write letters to district officials supporting Mary Hogan educators and to “defend this curriculum” by attending one or both of the ACSD board’s Monday, Dec. 9, and Monday, Dec. 16 meetings.
So where is the appeal of the Who We Are study-unit materials headed?
To ACSD Superintendent Wendy Baker, the fourth rung on a five-step appeals ladder that challengers can negotiate to try and get material pulled.
“Our approach to selecting materials and considering the removal of materials is guided by evidence-based instructional practices, national and Vermont educational standards, and ACSD Board Policy D23 and its supporting procedure,” Blistein said.
According to ACSD Board Policy D23 and its supporting procedure, the district will entertain “reconsideration of inclusion of instructional resources” based on a process calling for:
An initial meeting between the complainant(s) and the classroom teacher, teaching team and/or department.
If the issue isn’t resolved that way, then school principal will present the complaint with a “request for reconsideration of instructional materials form.” If there are concerns about multiple items, a separate form must be completed for each item. The complainant has two weeks to complete and submit the form, or “the matter shall be considered closed.”
Upon receiving the completed reconsideration form, the principal must convene a four-person (minimum) committee to consider the complaint. The committee has up to 30 days to discuss the complaint and suggest ways of remedying it.
If the complainant isn’t satisfied with the committee outcome, they can appeal to the superintendent, who will undertake a review — including an appeal hearing — and issue a decision.
If the complainant is still dissatisfied, they can appeal to the school board — in public session.
DISTRICT REVIEW
District officials provided a copy of a “reconsideration of instructional materials review” that had been requested by the two parents, identified in the report as simply “Parent 1” and “Parent 2.” The review — which included a hearing with the parents — was conducted by Principal Jen Kravitz and a Reconsideration Committee that she assembled. That committee included teacher Elizabeth Thacker, Mary Hogan School Nurse Becky Harrell, ACSD Literacy Coordinator Heather Gebo, former Addison County universal preK coordinator Meg Baker and parent Emily Lambert.
Both complainants, according to the completed report, specifically objected to the aforementioned seven books that educators have been reading to Mary Hogan kindergartners.
Parent 1 claimed the students were “too young to understand these complex issues,” said the subject matter “should be taught at home,” said the material went against “her values and beliefs,” and claimed the material “highlights people with differences, and people who are transgender don’t want to stand out.”
Parent 2 outlined concerns about the teachers’ specific book selections, according to the report. Among that parent’s complaints:
“Bodies Are Cool” includes two babies who are naked.
“It Feels Good to Be Yourself,” “They He She Me: Free to be!” and “Introducing Teddy” did not align with the family’s religious beliefs.
“Sparkle Boy” allegedly showed that children that have an imagination “will be bullied.”
“Fred Gets Dressed” is “confusing to 5-year-olds.”
The committee heard the parents’ complaints and then measured the books’ content based in part on whether it conformed with “relevant ACSD policies”; relevant district, state and national standards; relevant International Baccalaureate program standards; and research from other organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Following its review, the committee recommended that all seven books remain in use as an instructional material for kindergartners.
“All the books that were used were reviewed by reputable sources, such as CommonSense Media, Booklist, Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and the School Library Journal,” the committee stated as part of its report summation. “At least three are award nominees or winners from prominent lists, including the American Library Association and Vermont Department of Libraries Red Clover lists. All are reviewed for age ranges that include 5-year-olds in kindergarten. All were favorably reviewed and determined to be quality literature for children.”
The two parents are now appealing to the Mary Hogan committee’s decision to Superintendent Wendy Baker, their penultimate step in the process.
Meanwhile, the “questioned items will remain in classroom instruction during the reconsideration process,” reads the policy.
Blistein lamented the manner in which the instructional materials dispute has been playing out in social media.
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Blistein confirmed a public records request for information related to the appeals process, which was expected to yield results by this coming Wednesday.
The Mary Hogan book controversy wasn’t listed on the board’s Dec. 9 meeting agenda, but was discussed at visitors’ comment periods both before and after the panel took care of the business on its plate.
The Independent asked Ilsley Public Library Director Dana Hart to weigh in in the issue as a professional who deals with books and society.
She stressed that Ilsley Library “affirms and upholds” the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement, and added all seven book titles being challenged can be found on the shelves of the Middlebury Ilsley.
“Intellectual freedom is a fundamental value of librarianship, and I condemn any attempts at censorship,” she said.
Hart said she believes every library should have a process for requesting reconsideration of library materials, and noted the ACSD has been following its process regarding the Mary Hogan books challenge.
“Different parents will naturally have different thresholds for what they consider appropriate for their own children at any given age, and it is understandable that they may want to have a say in which books their children read,” she said. “As a parent myself, I understand this impulse. Having said that, I believe the individuals best suited to making decisions about the appropriateness of a book for a collective age group are trained youth librarians and early educators. I would defer to their expertise on the age appropriateness of these specific titles in an educational setting.”
Follow-uphttps://www.addisonindependent.com/20...
Individually and in small groups they filed into the Middlebury Union High School Library on Monday evening, preparing to bare their souls to an Addison Central School District board that could, in the near future, field a request by two Middlebury parents to ban seven books used at Mary Hogan Elementary to broaden kindergarteners’ understanding of gender-identity themes (see related story).
Around 25 people wedged themselves into the small library meeting space, with several more queued up on Zoom.
Some were transgender.
Some were members of Midd Pride.
All spoke fiercely and at times tearfully about the proposed book ban, borrowing from their own life experiences to make their case.
None of those assembled in person or virtually spoke in favor of withdrawing the questioned class material.
Among the speakers was Jess Venable-Novak of Middlebury, a transgender person and parent of two children, including one in Middlebury schools. Venable-Novak recounted how their family was “elated” to move to the district three years ago, after having been told by a school board member in their former community that the family was “perverse and didn’t belong there.”
Venable-Novak said they and their partner specifically wanted to send their oldest child to the Mary Hogan school because of its population, curriculum and reputation as being welcoming.
“My family knows the books on this (ban) list very well; we read them sometimes daily,” Venable-Novak said, adding the family routinely gifts these books to school and childcare officials at the programs their children attend.
“They are truly the best tools to teach kids about the experiences of different humans who happen to be trans,” Venable-Novak said. “These books have already created space for families like mine, and space for kids … We’re here, we’re real people, trans people, gender-diverse toddlers, queer teens. And these books have already worked to make a world of difference for us, right here.”
Also taking the floor was Corey Selover, a transgender person ...
“You can’t stop people from being transgender,” Selover said. “I know, because I tried very hard. I tried for the first 28 years of my life to convince myself I wasn’t trans. I failed. I tried everything — I prayed to God to take these feelings away from me. I tried physically hurting myself when these thoughts came up. I tried drinking a lot of alcohol. That did not work.”
Selover said things changed upon meeting a transgender person for the first time.
“I realized I wasn’t the only person who felt this way. My life changed for the better, immediately.
“Meeting this person did not turn me trans, nor would reading a book about transgender people,” Selover said. “What meeting this person did for me was plant this seed of an idea that maybe there was another way to deal with the feelings I was encountering; that maybe I deserved to feel happy and that I could be out in the world as I felt comfortable. Maybe I could believe the stories my body was telling me.”
Selover noted high suicide rates among transgender youth. Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth, according to a 2022 report from the National Library of Medicine.
“My very first memory was telling my mother that I was a girl, and her telling me that was ridiculous,” Selover said. “I was four years old, and already ashamed of my own feelings. I felt confused and alone and scared. Often, I wondered, ‘What if there had been books like (those at Mary Hogan) in my classroom when I was a kid?’ What if I had known there was a single adult who made me feel safe to talk about what I was feeling? Maybe I could have skipped my suicide attempts. Maybe my childhood could have been filled with joy, instead of shame and fear.”
Selover concluded by stating, “I am happier than I have ever been, since transitioning. I wonder how much easier those first 28 years of my life could have been. Banning these books will not stop children from being transgender, but they may stop them from growing up.”
Also speaking was Dr. Jack Mayer, who for many decades served as a much-respected pediatrician in Middlebury.
“I’ve spent almost 50 years of my life advocating for children” he told the crowd, adding he believed that “banning books limits students’ abilities to learn and grow, it undermines critical thinking. Restricting information and discouraging free thought undermines one of the primary functions of education, which is teaching students how to think for themselves.”
Mayer noted the most banned book in the U.S. is George Orwell’s “1984,” which ironically warns of the dangers of totalitarian government. He warned that banning the seven books on the complainants’ list could serve to erase LGBTQ+ people.
“Parents can make their decisions about their own children, but they should not be able to make decisions about other people’s kids,” he said. “Students deserve to see themselves reflected in the books that are available to them.”
Jordan Young is a parent who chaired the former Cornwall School Board. He said he’s a transsexuality educator and clinical counselor, who identifies as gender nonbinary.
“Those students access to these kinds of books opens the conversation for themselves, just as I needed access to that information when I was younger,” Young told the board.
[and many more!]
Mod
So now, instead of The Book of Negroes just being banned i..."
It is NOT as bad in Canada as in the USA of course, but in Social Conservative provinces aligned with and supportive of Donald Trump (like Alberta and Saskatchewan) and for Catholic School Boards (see above), yes, book banning and censorship is also an issue (as is left wing cancel culture, unfortunately).
Kelly Jensen of BookRiot broke the paywall:Goodish news
"Book banners in Tyler, Texas, proud of their THREE YEAR BATTLE to ban books from the public library, think that the city is now purposefully making it so their cadre of book banners cannot get on the library board."
Tyler, Texas
Grassroots Tyler group alleges Tyler City Council violated open meetings act
https://12ft.io/proxy
Grassroots America – We The People alleges the city violated the state’s open meetings act when it appointed members to the city’s library advisory board.
At a press briefing Tuesday morning, the group discussed the alleged violations and a three-year effort to address s--ually explicit materials accessible to minors at the Tyler Public Library and called for adopting community standards-based content policies.
“This is about protecting children, which is a God-given responsibility for adults,” said JoAnn Fleming, the group’s executive director. “We expect the city to refresh their memory on this and put it on a future (city) council agenda — not six months from now.”
....
Grassroots doesn’t intend to pursue legal action but believes their requests for remediation are reasonable, Fleming said.
On Sept. 13, 2023, volunteers assembled to show support for library board members that would reflect “community standards,” in selecting materials for the library. Five community members volunteered to speak to council on behalf of those who submitted applications.
Around 50 appointments and eight new chairs were made, including three new members and a new chair for the Library Advisory Board. Numerous citizens supporting the “Stop the P---n in Tyler Library” committee applied and expressed interest in serving on the board.
The agenda item and vote took only a few minutes with no discussion or debate, which was confirmed through previous Tyler Morning Telegraph city council coverage. Grassroots America alleges public and private events were orchestrated, and the use of misleading agenda descriptions reflects a premeditated intent to violate public trust, the group stated.
In a statement, Grassroots emphasized the public’s interest in witnessing the deliberations on nominations to public boards. The most egregious aspect, the group alleged, was allowing residents to passionately petition them to follow community standards, while knowing the decision had already been made and a list of appointees allegedly printed before the vote was taken.
“If they do this with board and commission appointments, how can we believe they’re not doing the same with financial deals and spending tax dollars? Their lack of integrity and ethical misfeasance should disqualify them from holding elected office,” Fleming said.
Grassroots America outlined five “common-sense” actions it believes the Tyler City Council should debate and act on in a public forum. These include updating the Library Policy Manual to provide clear, community standards-based guidance on s--ually explicit, vulgar and age-inappropriate material.
The group also recommends designating the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as the primary certification and accreditation organization, while expunging all references to and associations with the American Library Association.
Other proposals include implementing procedures to post and receive public comments on books before issuing purchase orders and eliminating bundling by publishers to prevent violations of community standards, auditing the Children’s and Teen sections to identify and relocate materials that don’t meet community standards and requiring periodic public reports to the Tyler City Council on the remediation status of operational deficiencies and policy corrections.
“This is not about banning books,” Fleming said. “We simply want the books moved so that they are not accessible by underage children … Underage children cannot give consent to s--ual acts. They cannot give consent to having their minds and emotions raped either. That is why adults need to protect children.”
The library is divided into five sections. Books recommended for ages 18 and under are in the juvenile section, books recommended for readers ages 14 and up are in the young adult section; and books recommended for readers 16 years and older are in the adult section. Books for adults on parenting topics are in the parenting section, and books for children on issues that need adult explanation, such as death and family dynamics, are in the family section.
The City of Tyler said arrangements are based on recommendations from professional organizations like Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Any discrepancies result in staff members reading the book to determine the appropriate age range.
Library policy states providing access to a material does not endorse it.
“People are sort of saying, ‘I can’t believe that you would support this book,’” City Manager Edward Broussard told the Tyler Morning Telegraph in a September 2023 interview. “The book in our collection is not an endorsement of the book or material. The book being in the library indicates that this idea is present for people to read and share, agree with or disagree with, but it is not an endorsement by the City.”
In the young adult section for ages 14-plus, some books have scenes or material that could be considered s--ual, Broussard added. However, there is no s--ually explicit material in the children’s section. Context matters, because although there is some mature content, the narrative is for a younger demographic to learn a lesson, he said.
“When I ran for mayor, my slogan was ‘For All of Tyler,’ and when I think of the library, it’s the same slogan,” Warren said during the September 2023 interview. “It’s for all of Tyler, and you see the community — it’s a diverse community. The library is the community.”
And Katy, Texas is in the news again. Better news this time. Sort of.400+ LGBTQ+ Library Books Currently Blocked by Katy ISD
At least 400+ books- targeted for their LGBTQ+ content - are to remain on the shelves while they undergo internal reconsideration- and students are being denied access if they attempt to check out any of them.
https://www.txftrp.org/400_lgbtq_libr...
In August, Katy ISD’s school board adopted a revision to the EFB Local library book policy that prohibits books that “promote gender fluidity” in elementary & junior high, & requires parent opt-in for high school students.
According to information obtained by public information request, Katy ISD campus librarians were informed in early October that students are to be prohibited from checking out over 400 books that the District marked “FA(Local)” in the District wide Destiny library catalog.
At least 400+ books- targeted for their LGBTQ+ content - are to remain on the shelves while they undergo internal reconsideration- and students are being denied access if they attempt to check out any of them. This is a detour from standard practice in the District. Typically books being informally and formally reconsidered remain available for student check out pending the outcomes of the reconsiderations.
The list includes non-fiction titles like A Queer History of the United States for Young People by Richie Chevat, LGBTQ Rights and the Law by Duchess Harris, and Confronting LGBTQ+ Discrimination by Avery Elizabeth Hurt, and fiction books like Drama by Raina Telgemeier, The Real Riley Mayes by Rachel Elliott, Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart, and Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.
Katy ISD students are permitted to browse the 400+ books on the list- but they can’t check them out to take them home.
As District administrators (who comprise the internal reconsideration committee) work their way through the list of 400+ titles, they are removing titles found to violate EFB Local from elementary and junior high schools, and relocating titles found to "promote gender fluidity" to restricted access "Parent Opt-In" shelves in the high school libraries. As of November 2024, these are the titles currently designated as "Parent Opt-In." It is unknown if the titles listed at the Elementary and Junior High campus levels will remain there, as the current Katy ISD EFB Local prohibits *all* library books that "promote gender fluidity" at elementary and junior high schools.
FA(Local) and "Parent Opt-In" are not the only types of restrictions Katy ISD is applying to its public school library catalog. Students are also prohibited from freely accessing 23 (and counting) books placed under a “Parent & Counselor Resource” restriction. The majority of the books behind this invisible curtain focus on LGBTQ+ gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, body autonomy, consent, and human development.
Of note, several of these titles once appeared on Katy ISD's "removed" webpage, but have since disappeared from the public facing page. Now, these titles exist under the invisible "Parent & Counselor Resource" designation. Katy ISD parents have received no communication informing them that these book are available as "Parent & Counselor" resources.
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)
More...
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)
More...
op ed
https://screenrant.com/manga-ban-tenn...