Book Censorship News, July 21, 2023

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Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. She’s the editor/creator of (DON’T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and the editor/creator of HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her subsequent e book, BODY TALK, will publish in Fall 2020. Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen.

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One of the checks I make in doing the weekly censorship information analysis is making certain that the information comes from a dependable supply. This is out of accuracy, in fact, as a lot as additionally it is about media literacy. As it stands, right-wing “activists” are doing a bang up job of making a pretend controversy, pushing it via the media, holding their names within the mouths of these shops, then reaping (pretend) advantages from the outrage cycle. Case in level: a information story that popped up earlier this month concerning the National Education Association and the books they have been recommending their instructor members to learn over the summer time.

Here’s a Google information seek for “Gender Queer Book,” time restricted to the final month.

The prime 4 tales all use comparable headlines, noting that the “largest teachers union” within the U.S. has beneficial Gender Queer for summer time studying to its members. There is a Daily Mail story and a New York Post story, each of which ship crimson flags to me, as these aren’t going to be dependable sources for sharing information (which isn’t to say they can’t be leads for information, however they aren’t information itself). But two sources I’m much less aware of pop up: The Maine Wire, whose “About” web page doesn’t readily give away its political leanings, after which KATV information, which is an ABC affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Whenever I come throughout a search that reveals the same story pop up a number of occasions and a few of these sources could possibly be credible — just like the KATV one* — I’ll then look into the key phrases from that story extra carefully to see what’s occurring. Let’s pop in a few of these and see what the true story is:

Interesting outcomes checklist, huh? Wall Street Journal, a conservative outlet, is the primary hit and, regardless of being right-leaning, it doesn’t play into the identical rhetoric as the next outcomes do. We get Fox News, National Review, after which down the web page, some extra “reputable” shops:

CatholicVote, who runs the bigoted e book censorship marketing campaign “Hide the Pride,” follows, then KRCR, which is Redding, California’s ABC affiliate. KRCR’s piece isn’t authentic reporting although. It’s republished from The National Desk, a Sinclair product recognized for its conservative bent, regardless of claiming to be impartial. This is exactly what the KATV supply within the first search is, too — not authentic reporting, however a narrative pushed from elsewhere to their very own web site. Then we get a pleasant headline from a supply known as The Catholic Thing that goes in a barely totally different route; now not is that this about what the academics union is recommending for academics however how that union is letting down the children.

That reframing tugs on the heartstrings, doesn’t it? (I’m going to redirect you now to why the Shiny Happy People docuseries is a must-watch).

The ultimate consequence on my first web page is from a Fox affiliate.

Note that no the place in these outcomes is there a supply that’s not overtly or covertly biased in presentation. This is the massive crimson flag: this story has not been picked up in different shops however as an alternative shared throughout these with comparable slants and missions.

So what’s the reality of the story? As with most biased reporting, some of what’s mentioned is true, however the bulk of it’s a handy spin.

The e book, which is essentially the most banned e book in America and a favourite among the many e book disaster actors, is included alongside a number of different books for academics to contemplate choosing as much as learn over break. This is a submit like all you’d see on a nationwide skilled group’s web page: content material for these within the subject and this one sources its suggestions from members. In the case of this one, it’s a literal checklist of books which incorporates different titles like Dolly Parton and James Patterson’s Run Rose Run, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s e book How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk.

So it have to be the blurb inflicting controversy, proper?

Twilight was on the prime of banned-book lists for its racy content material. Today, these lists are more likely to function LGBTQ+ folks or People of Color. Indeed, the highest two books banned in 2022 have been Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maira Kobabe, about figuring out outdoors the gender binary, and All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson.

Illinois highschool librarian Amanda Shaffer discovered to like studying due to a banned e book. “I hated reading until I was in early high school,” she says. “A friend basically threw [Twilight by Stephenie Meyer] at me, and I haven’t stopped reading since.”

That little blurb is what launched a thousand nonsense “news” items in July.

Here is the place issues take an much more absurd flip. Why did this all of a sudden turn into information in July when the submit had been dwell and lively on the NEA web site since June 5? Must be the summer time information hunch and the very fact these shops can’t get movies from outrageous faculty board conferences to advertise as rapidly as they may when extra colleges have been in session.

The story may finish right here, however it doesn’t. The right-wingers love proudly owning all the rage rollercoaster, and as a part of it, their on-air tales overlaying this non-starter controversy falsely claimed the e book was being beneficial by the NEA for teenagers. The Poynter Institute breaks down that story over right here and it’s price a learn.

Despite the truth that that is pretend information, packaged neatly to look actual, it made its manner throughout actual information channels who choose up press releases to run for content material. Chances are your loved ones bigots noticed it and, when you advised them to cease letting Fox News rot their minds, they may now level to extra “legitimate” information sources.

Perhaps the a part of this that’s most enraging although is that even when the story is deemed patently false, these shops preserve their names and reputations rising. First, via infiltration like above. Then via tales like this very one and the one linked above on the Poynter Institute: debunking the tales continues to boost their profiles, and but, debunking is a necessity in a world of mis/dis/mal info perpetuated and circulated by these very shops.

They personal the cycle begin to end.

Good to know that academics, who’re particular person people with their very own tastes and pursuits and never some imagined monolithic monster created by proper wing conspiracy theorists, aren’t occasion allowed to share the books they’re studying this summer time with out being judged by main shops.

I assume a instructor studying and recommending essentially the most banned e book in America certain is an indication of wierd tastes that might lead you to remorse studying to learn.

Book Censorship News: July 21, 2023

A librarian in Michigan who was labeled a groomer by right-wing social media shares what that have has been like.
Samuels Library (a public library in Virginia being harassed by a small group of loud bigots) has made some selections on books within the assortment. First, they created a nonsense part known as “new adult,” which isn’t new grownup books however new grownup books (clear as mud, and no, you don’t must outline “new adult” for me). This is the place one of many three books that they’ve mentioned to date is transferring. Two will stay in the identical place. They’re additionally creating library playing cards that may be prohibit entry for minors.
Iredell-Statesville Schools (NC) have eliminated over 250 books from the district after complaints. This district is an utter mess: it’s the similar district the place a former instructor had damaged into the college library to take images of books and the place it appeared they got here to a promising resolution to the e book disaster actors enjoying sufferer at board conferences. Guess that was quick lived. TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY BOOKS!
Washoe County Schools (NV) at the moment are being pestered to take away Lawn Boy, with bonus disaster actor claiming that the e book is being learn aloud to college students.
Six queer-themed YA books have gone lacking at Tri-Valley Community Library (AK). This is a teeny article however it will get throughout all the pieces you’d must know.
Here’s a break for just a little excellent news: Jay-Z helps finance the anti-book ban motion.
When did Common Sense Media turn into the nice guys? (Disclosure: that is my work at my private substack!).
“Mayor Kerry Peterson, who ran the library meeting, said ‘there has never been discussion’ of banning the graphic memoir Gender Queer. Instead, she said, library director Catherine Wolverton has determined that the young adult book will be moved to the adult section of the library. A ‘separate profile’ will be set up for young adult cardholders where they can only check out young adult and youth collections, which ‘parents have the option to opt into,’ Wolverton said.” This is at Cedar Grove Public Library in New Jersey, the place Gender Queer might be censored and younger adults could have borrowing privileges restricted. Guess the children can’t simply haul ass and get the e book there…guess the lies from the right-wingers about “the kids can just get it at the public library” are additionally unfaithful.
Autauga-Prattville Public Library (AL) not solely has a bunch attempting to ban books within the library however they’re creating a whole system of language and recruitment to get folks to hitch their censoring efforts.
Williamsburg-James City County Schools (VA) have created a brand new coverage round e book challenges. Read this one — they explicitly state that oldsters can complain via the suitable channels however “no library resources should be restricted or removed from the library as a result of the concern or complaint.” More. Of. This. (Note: I believe the piece about 3 faculty librarians needing to approve a purchase order is ridiculous, however not less than it’s within the palms of skilled professionals).
I completely detest the “if they ban all of these books, then the Bible needs to be banned too” mentality. You don’t resolve e book bans by banning books. Period. I don’t care how subversive or humorous or satirical you suppose you’re being. (Leon County, Florida).
The similar Bible ban nonsense is occurring in Palm Beach, Florida, too. It won’t be banned, although.
Remember how Temecula Schools (CA) have been pulling a social research textbook that talked about Harvey Milk? The state governor is shopping for it for them.
Ta-Nehisi Coates confirmed as much as the Lexington-Richland District 5 School Board assembly, the place one in every of his books has been the middle of a debate over banning.
This Book Is Gay will stay on cabinets in Brookfield, Connecticut, colleges.
Here’s how sluggish and costly the assessment course of in St. Tammany Parish Library (LA) goes and why the brand new invoice handed within the state goes to make this course of even worse.
Three books — Gender Queer, Flamer, and Wait What? — might be pulled from Fort Worth Independent School District (TX) cabinets. This story may be paywalled.
39 books are being challenged and reviewed within the Carroll County School District (MD). This can be behind a paywall as a result of the media is complicit.
When you appoint e book banners to a library board, it shouldn’t be stunning that folk fear there may be e book bans taking place of their public libraries (VA).
Marathon County Public Library (WI) won’t be eradicating Let’s Talk About It, and they won’t be making a scores system for his or her assortment.
Paywalled right here, too: it was ONE mum or dad who complained in Horry County Schools (SC) and bought 12 books pulled from cabinets.
To deal with a brand new regulation in Arkansas over what youngsters can and can’t learn from the general public library, Springdale is making it so everybody beneath 13 wants a guardian *with them* as they use the library, whereas these 13-14 can use the library so long as a guardian *is within the constructing*, and people 15 and older can — gasp — be free from parental supervision. Talk about nanny stating (and please observe: I do know the library is doing this in response to a shitty regulation, however that is additionally horrible). In my time as a librarian, so many youngsters got here to the library solo as a result of it was the one protected place to be with out dad and mom or guardians round. Some…simply didn’t have adults of their lives. For the entire “we care about the kids,” we all know what youngsters which means.
A worthwhile piece about new legal guidelines in Iowa and their affect on libraries all through the state.
This piece is concerning the college students at Central York (PA) who have been lively and engaged voices within the motion to finish to e book bans of their faculty.
“Several members of the Telford Borough Council were blindsided at the July 10 meeting when appointed councilman Robert Jacobus attempted to pass a motion that would provide the council with oversight of the Indian Valley Library [PA]. The motion was soundly defeated in a 5-2 vote.” You can guess why, I’m certain.
Oconee County, Georgia now has Moms for Liberty going for its public library. None of the books they’re mad about ought to shock anybody. This library is included within the roundup of Pride Month disruptions, whereby of us appeared to make a few of the LGBTQ+ books disappear and town council thought they’d some sort of oversight into the library. Keep an eye fixed on this one.
Elizabethtown Independent Schools Board of Education (KY) is now getting “visitors” to their board assembly crying inappropriate e book disaster. The Kite Runner and Amy Reed’s Beautiful are two books of ire.
York County, South Carolina simply voted to maneuver from 10 board members to 7. You know this can be a e book banner’s dream.
“The Lewis County Board of Commissioners, Scott Brummer, Lindsey Pollock, and Sean Swope, penned a letter last week to their appointed trustees on the five-county Timberland Regional Library [WA] board with the intent of developing policy around printed materials and age-appropriate books for children.” Please learn this once more: the CITY board advised the LIBRARY board they should create a e book scores system for supplies within the assortment. This, y’all, is censorship, each large C and little c. Fascism continues onward.
Appomattox Public Library (VA) has board that’s doing no matter they really feel or suppose, somewhat than what is true or authorized.
“On July 13, U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert took to the House floor to promote an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would ban the purchase of ‘pornographic books’ for military schools. It quickly raised questions about the definition of pornography, recalling Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s famous phrase: ‘I know it when I see it.’” Shocker. Puppets gonna puppet. What’s regarding is that that is being taken with any seriousness on the nationwide degree and that may inevitably give extra gas for native degree bigots.
Moore County Board of Education (NC) seems like a enjoyable place to be, with disaster actor board member complaining a few TON of books and people books now being referred to a assessment committee for his or her destiny.
“Fast forward to this week’s board meeting, when the consent item to renew City Year, a program that provides tutors and mentors for students, was up for discussion. From an Instagram post dated June 15, during Pride Month, City Year posted LGBTQ inclusive books. This resulted in Ashley questioning if City Year is pushing an agenda and if TPS should continue their relationship. ‘I want parents and citizens to know that these are the type of recommended book lists that they have,’ she said.” This is a board member for the Tulsa Public Schools (OK) mad about a corporation that the college has a partnership with…posting a Pride e book checklist throughout Pride.
West Bend School’s assessment committee unanimously (WI) endorsed holding The 57 Bus as a selection studying choices in one in every of their courses. That it was ever challenged proves why the e book is required.
Keene Memorial Library — a public library in Nebraska, which has been quiet for a couple of weeks — goes to implement new age-category library playing cards. Per the story, teenagers might be unable to borrow grownup books…so I suppose which means no entry to classics? Glad {that a} 17-year-old received’t have the ability to borrow The Great Gatsby. Good factor a 13-year-old can’t borrow a nonfiction e book for his or her analysis paper. Need me to go on?
*Businesses* in Winkler, Manitoba suppose the library ought to lose cash for having books they’ve been brainwashed into considering are porn. Here’s a thought: why would any particular person beneath 18 or any grownup who cares concerning the library wish to patronize these bigot companies?
Most Utahans don’t agree with faculty boards eradicating books from the colleges. Also, Davis Schools — keep in mind them from banning then unbannnig the Bible — simply pulled three extra books from cabinets, together with The Lovely Bones, Lawn Boy, and Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda.
It appears like I Am Billie Jean King will stay on Leon County School (FL) library cabinets.
An replace from Crawford County Public Library (AR) as they navigate new state legal guidelines and two lawsuits regarding censorship.
“Most speakers who supported the petition said they did not want the library to close but wanted the offending books moved from the children’s section or the library. One person suggested some of the offending books could be kept off the shelves and shipped to patrons who wished to check them out. ‘Books should be moved out of reach of children and monitored,’ said one audience member.” This shouldn’t be the way you run a library, which is why random of us with none background in librarianship usually are not those operating a library. Anyway, this small Washington library continues to be liable to closure due to some bigots.
My cash is that Bruce is behind the problem to the e book Arthur’s Birthday in Clay County, Florida, colleges. The problem means no youngsters can take a look at the e book till some undetermined time. Bruce is the one who elected to problem my books as a result of I wrote about what he was doing there.