Students' Right to Read 2022
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Censorship v. the Right to Read
Smith, Daniella. “Teaching Within Context.” KQ blog, 27 Sept 2021. “…the censored Dr. Suess books could be used as teaching materials. However, my comments must be placed within context to understand my reasoning. There is a difference between leaving them as freely accessible materials on the shelves and securing them to use selectively for teaching purposes.” The Merritt Fund Promotional Toolkit, OIF blog 11/22/2021 . The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund is devoted to the support, maintenance, medical care, and welfare of librarians who, in the Trustees’ opinion, are:
Statements
TLA Statements
American Historical Assn. Joint Statement on Legislative Efforts to Restrict Education about Racism in American History (June 2021). The American Association of University Professors, the American Historical Association, the Association of American Colleges & Universities, and PEN America have authored a joint statement stating their “firm opposition” to legislation, introduced in at least 20 states, that would restrict the discussion of “divisive concepts” in public education institutions. The letter is joined by a total of 147 organizations. Kansas City Public Library statement on book banning. Kansas City Public Library NYLA Position Statement on the Defense of Intellectual Freedom. New York Library Association Utah Educational Library Media Association (UELMA) Statement on Challenges Fall 2021 Vermont School Library Assn Statement on Intellectual Freedom Virginia Assn of School Librarians Position Statement on Censorship of Books in Virginia School Libraries Challenge Situations
McMorris-Santorro, Evan et al. “Students Fight Back Against a Book Ban That Has a Pennsylvania Community Divided.” CNN, 16 Sept 2021. |
Resources to Stand Strong
Official Outlets Texans for the Right to Read also on Facebook and Twitter #RighttoReadTX Join this coalition of community members in support of libraries as they support Texans' Right to Read. It's free. Texas Library Assn. “Materials Challenges: Prepare for the Worst, Expect the Best.” Video webinar. Free to TLA members. Wakelet and Slides available here. TX Assn of School Boards (TASB). Understanding the Difference Between Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Educational Equity. PDF. 25 June 2021. Prepare 5 poster set in one document, based on ALA statements (Library Bill of Rights; Access to Digital Resources & Services; Access to Library Resources & Services for Minors; Access to Resources & Services in The School Library; Diverse Collections) Tamez-Robledo, Nadia. “Librarians Fight Book Bans With Twitter Takeover.” EdSurge, 18 Nov 2021. #FReadom Pause and Prepare: A School District Guide To Navigating Book Challenges, an infographic based on ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom blog. Proactive Approach to Book Challenges by Jennifer LaGarde, not just for school libraries. Toolkits ALA Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School & Academic Libraries Be Prepared: Intellectual Freedom Resources, a Wakelet full of useful counsel when facing a potential challenge. How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns (ALA) Selection Criteria (ALA) WebJunction Book Censorship in Schools: A Toolkit (Nat’l Coalition Against Censorship, May 2016 published by OCLC WebJunction) Other Resources Alexander, Jake. Video clip from Spotsylvania County (VA) school board meeting in Michigan. Parent voice against censorship. 15 Nov 2021. PARENT Abdelkader, Engy. “Are Government Bans on The Teaching of Critical Race Theory Unconstitutional?” ABA Journal, 7 Oct 2021. LEGAL UNDERSTANDING “‘Significantly, the Brown court reminds us of public education’s primary purpose: “Today, education is the most important function of state and local governments. … It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed. In life if he is denied the opportunity of an education.’” Bellomy, Jill and Lisa Loranc. “Facing Materials Challenges: The Immportance of Policies in Public and School Libraries. Texas Library Journal, Fall 2021. Bush, Gail. “Unsung heroes at schools? Librarians.” Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec 2021. “...How does anyone think the school library collection appears on those shelves? …” Jensen, Kelly. “How to Fight Book Bans and Challenges.” Bookriot, 7 Oct 2021. TOOLS FOR CITIZENS; TOOLS FOR LIBRARIANS Joseph, Christina. “As More States Consider Legislation to Restrict Teaching About Racism, Educators Are Fighting Back.” SLJ, 12 June 2021. “When Leander Independent School District library coordinator Becky Calzada heard the Texas state legislature was considering a bill that would forbid teachers from discussing certain concepts related to race or sex, she made sure to be ready for any challenge. Such a law could set off a chain reaction—eventually trickling down to the library and resulting in book challenges aimed at diverse additions to the district’s collection….” Massaro, Cheryl. “ ‘I can no longer remain silent': Cheryl Massaro lashes back at Jill Woolbright over book banning.” Palm Coast Observer, 14 Nov 2021. SCHOOL BOARD Perez, Ashley Hope. “A Texas School District Banned My Book. Then Things Got Really Ugly.” Texas Monthly, 2 Dec 2021. “I’ve been the target of censorship and vicious harassment, but my greatest worry is what this trend means for young people who rely on school libraries.” TX Author Perez, Ashley Hope. “We need to unite behind a clear, forceful message. First: This is not just an attack on books. It's an attack on kids. It's an attack on schools. It's an effort to paint teachers and librarians as "the enemy." Twitter, 13 Nov 2021. A nine-tweet thread of calm response by the author of Printz award-winning Out of Darkness (2015). TX Author Tetreault, Steve. “Book Challenges: Coming Soon to a School Near You?” KQ blog, 3 Nov 2021. Useful tips especially about bits to include in your Reconsideration policy. 
Understanding Critical Race Theory
DeWitt, Peter. “Adults Are Banning Classroom Topics. Perhaps They Should Allow Students to Explore Them?” Education Week, Equity and Diversity Opinion, 27 June 2021. “School is supposed to be a venue where students have numerous opportunities to engage in deep learning that will prepare them for their future. That learning is supposed to foster the ability for students to engage in their own learning around topics that they care about …” Fleming, Casey. “Opinion: I Taught Critical Race Theory at a Conservative Houston High School.” Houston Chronicle, 10 July 2021. "“Imagine that this apple is a book,” I said. “Critical theories are tools we can use to understand the apple.” A learned person, I suggested, should have the ability to use any theory, any lens, even those with which she may not agree." (See image.) TX Assn of School Boards (TASB). Understanding the Difference Between Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Educational Equity. PDF. 25 June 2021. |