Book Censorship News, September 22, 2023

“Yes Means Yes,” and Other Ways Consent Is Sexy: A Quick Guide

Book review of My Black Country by Alice Randall

Should AI Companies Buy Publishers for Access to Their Data?

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.

View All posts by Kelly Jensen

Although e-book censorship impacts each single certainly one of us — it impacts our democracy on a nationwide stage — it’s the college students who’re most impacted by choices made by college boards, library boards, library and college staff, politicians, native officers, and right-wing dangerous actors. They are those who lose the flexibility to entry supplies that educate, enrich, and entertain and extra, provided that the overwhelming majority of books being banned proper now are these by or about individuals of coloration and queer individuals, college students know, see, and really feel the impression of those choices on them past the covers of these books. Marginalized teenagers see themselves being labeled inappropriate, disgusting, and extra, all of which takes an amazing toll on their psychological well being.

This week, let’s have a look at a number of the student-run, student-organized teams combating again in opposition to these e-book bans. These scholar teams in opposition to e-book bans are occurring in response to conditions in their very own faculties and communities, in addition to in locations which have but to see such censorship. The listing under was developed by way of submission, that means that college students, educators, mother and father, and/or library staff shared the knowledge. It doesn’t embrace the PARU group from Central York School District (PA), which you’ll examine right here.

Take the chance to get to know these youngsters doing essential, related, and important work of their faculties and communities extra broadly. Follow them on social media and supply them the encouragement and help they deserve.

Cobb Community Care Coalition, Cobb County, Georgia

The group organized a rally following the elimination of books from the varsity library. You can see footage from the board assembly, and actually, it’s value actually wanting on the variations within the forms of individuals you see defending the choice to censor and people, just like the Coalition, demanding higher. No web site or social media have been offered.

DAYLO: Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, Beaufort (3 chapters), Charleston (1 energetic chapter, extra coming), and Columbia, South Carolina (chapters coming quickly)

The group started in April 2021 to fulfill the literacy wants of the neighborhood. They have been impressed by a dialog with Disney Princess Anika Noni Rose, Black Lives Matter, Kalyn Bayron’s Cinderella Is Dead, and the Pat Conroy Literary Center.

It is a completely youth-led, mentor-advised group.

“DAYLO is a pro-literacy, anti-censorship student-led group which routinely hosts e-book membership discussions of books with numerous viewpoints and themes. We additionally host a month-to-month read-aloud for our youthful friends and take part by invitation in Family Literacy Nights in our Title I elementary faculties. As youth advocates, DAYLO leaders have spoken at college board assembly for 8 months in response to an ongoing e-book ban and overview of 97 books pulled from our district’s libraries — along with writing letters to highschool board members and letters to the editor.

DAYLO’s scholar advocacy has been featured twice as a entrance web page information story, as soon as within the Pulitzer Prize-winning Charleston Post & Courier. We are the topic of the feature-length documentary movie 97 (in manufacturing) and a nationwide information media function story we’re not but allowed to speak about — however we’d actually, actually prefer to. DAYLO college students have been additionally invited to develop the youth advocacy toolkit for the Get Ready, Stay Ready nationwide useful resource. We have been featured alongside our buddies from PARU in Education Week, in a live-stream for EachLibrary, and — upcoming throughout Banned Books Week — a nationwide livestream with Pat Scales and Raj Haldar for the Children’s Book Council. We have additionally offered at each of our statewide English instructor conferences — SCCTE and the Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA). Next 12 months, particular to our youth advocacy efforts, we might be presenting once more at PSLA and likewise on the SC Association of School Librarians (SCASL). At the advice of SCASL, DAYLO was acknowledged with a nationwide commendation from the American Association of School Librarians. We additionally spoke on the ALA convention’s opening evening Rally for the Right to Read, and we’ve met with Congressman Jamie Raskin on the problems of e-book bans and training censorship. DAYLO leaders additionally addressed the SC Senate subcommittee on training in opposition to House Bill 2738, an training censorship invoice. We usually share our experiences with different native and not-so-local curiosity teams by way of displays and conversations, inspiring others into pro-literacy, anti-censorship actions as properly.”

You can observe DAYLO on Instagram.

Intellectual Freedom Teen Council (IFTC), Hosted by Brooklyn Public Library however open to teenagers 13-19 anyplace within the U.S.

For teenagers wanting to get entangled in anti-censorship work, the IFTC is the right alternative to not solely learn the way to take action but additionally to community with different younger individuals doing comparable work. The group launched in spring 2022 with Brooklyn Public Library’s Libraries Unbanned Initiative.

“The IFTC aims to put teens back at the center of intellectual freedom advocacy. Participants connect with a nationwide peer-support network as well as learn effective advocacy strategies for pushing back against censorship and protecting the right to read. In addition, IFTC participants provide feedback on programming related to BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative and hear from authors, librarians, fellow teens, and others with experience combating censorship.”

“The IFTC is a group for teens by teens. Participants learn how to be effective intellectual freedom advocates in their own communities. Additionally, participants are eligible to earn a certificate, a recommendation letter, and resume-boosting experience. But most importantly, participants have the opportunity to connect with peers across the country, discuss books, and find community.”

An IFTC member shared that, “I believe that to have a fair and inclusive society, we need to have free thought and a large part of that comes from the freedom to read…. To me, intellectual freedom means having the freedom and ability to think clearly for yourself, make critical decisions, and also have your voice heard. I am so excited to join the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council because it is the perfect place for me to continue developing my advocacy and surround myself with impactful youth who are making change in their communities. I cannot wait to join the IFTC to ensure intellectual freedom for youth across the world!”

You can discover out extra and get entangled on the IFTC web site. More details about Books Unbanned is out there right here, and the Brooklyn Public Library’s teen Instagram is right here.

Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), Texas — started in Katy, now statewide

Katy, Texas, Independent School District college students launched SEAT in November 2022 following the continual waves of censorship all through their college. Their purpose was to finish e-book bans and guarantee their voices have been being heard at college board conferences. As their title itself says, college students deserve a SEAT at these tables.

“We developed amendments with state senators to the House Bill 900 book ban bill, and we introduced state legislation to protect students from internet censorship. We organized a statewide advocacy day at the Texas Capitol with students from DFW and Houston to advocate against book ban bills. State legislators wore our lapel pins (the SEAT logo, a morph of a chair and a book) on the chamber floors to protest HB 900. We distributed nearly 100 banned books at the August Katy ISD school board meeting along with 200 of our “know your rights” lanyards — 400+ confirmed as much as protest LGBTQ+ censorship. We protested the Houston ISD library closures with an open letter with the NCAC and a read-in with HCVPE. Our government director, Cameron Samuels (they/them) was invited to the White House to fulfill President Biden when he introduced the appointment of a federal anti-book ban coordinator. They have been invited to testify to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee throughout the latest listening to on e-book bans.”

“Book bans affect students, yet they are imposed by adults. We deserve to be the decision-makers, and we overwhelmingly say no to book bans.”

Follow SEAT on their web site and on their Instagram.

Students Protecting Education, New York and South Carolina

In spring 2022, college students at Orchard Park School District in Western New York have been uninterested in listening to about e-book bans and determined to launch a gaggle to combat again.

Students concerned within the group handed alongside their info to be shared right here, however so, too, did an unaffiliated grownup who stated the next: “[A]s an adult, I am inspired by these students who chose to stand up against board candidates who didn’t have their best interests. It is very powerful to see students getting involved with school board elections because ultimately the results impact the students above all in the district!”

Find out extra about Students Protecting Education at their web site, in addition to on Instagram.

Yorkville High School, Yorkville, Illinois

The to-be-named group of scholars in suburban Chicago will start their initiatives on Monday, September 25, addressing the varsity board. Yorkville’s college board has seen a serious change in management, and several other present members of the board weren’t solely funded by conservative PACs however are pushing their anti-Critical Race Theory campaigns into the district. The e-book Just Mercy, as soon as utilized in lecture rooms, was banned on the earlier college board assembly.

“While parents were the initially the ones that were angered by the boards removal of the book the students are the ones that have done the work to make sure their concerns are addressed. We are incredibly proud of them and they have fellow students, families and even school staff attending to help support them.”

“These kids are intelligent, well-spoken and passionate. We would love for them to not only get the recognition they deserve but also have the support to bring about real change!”

Book Censorship News: September 22, 2023

Last week, I highlighted a number of bomb threats at Chicago-area libraries. I had the chance to speak about these on WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR.

This story a couple of Drag queen make-up occasion at a northern Illinois public library completely encapsulates the whole lot I’ve stated now for nearly 3 years: the bigots create an issue, make it value some huge cash, then flip round and complain about how their manufactured outrage proves how wasteful libraries are with tax cash.
Speaking of the prices related to bigotry within the public library, right here’s what it’s all costing in Crawford County, Arkansas.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (NC) simply banned the image e-book Red: A Crayon’s Story. Wish that have been a joke, however they’re cozy with Moms for Liberty.
19 books have been faraway from Katy Independent School District (TX) cabinets up to now this college 12 months, together with Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
The Lexington Two School District (SC) has eliminated 17 books from college libraries. “Parent group” complaints.
Speaking of Lexington County, South Carolina, the “parental rights” contingent can be going after the general public library.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Education (Canada) has banned using The Hate U Give in faculties.
The St. Joseph County Public Library (IN) continued to listen to from residents about LGBTQ+ books within the teen space. But in a twist on this story, of the 20 who spoke, it seems like solely 3 have been mad that the library determined to maintain This Book Is Gay.
Somewhat extra excellent news: six books challenged in Beaufort County, South Carolina, faculties might be returned to cabinets.
Plant High School (FL) determined to maintain Blankets on cabinets.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library (MD) took out a full-page advert in protest of the Carroll County School District reviewing 58 books that Moms For Liberty members are demanding be pulled from district cabinets. More of this public-school solidarity, please!
“The novel is shelved in the adult nonfiction section of the library; the parent objected on the grounds that children could still reach the book, according to MPR. That’s like banning motorized vehicles because kids can crawl from the back seat into the driver seat.” This is a nice letter concerning the determination by the Carver County Public Library (MN) to maintain Gender Queer on cabinets.
Monday’s Not Coming will solely be accessible to 18-year-olds in Catawba County Schools (NC). This is the results of a grievance by a faculty board member.
Westport, Massachusetts, is coping with a e-book problem over the studying of a Margaret Atwood brief story in a highschool class. It’s been within the curriculum for six years, however out of the blue, it’s inappropriate.
How and why Moms For Liberty’s base is rising in Wisconsin.
Queen Charlotte and Sex is a Funny Word will stay on cabinets in Rutherford County Library (TN) regardless of the town’s new decency ordinance.
A narrative on how librarians didn’t signal as much as be LGBTQ+ activists, however that’s the function they’ve taken on. Good piece, however I want we have been being a little bit extra trustworthy that it’s probably simply as many librarians will not be in favor of LGBTQ+ individuals or supplies of their libraries.
Coronado, California, is constant to see the bigots mad about LGBTQ+ books accessible within the public library and are nonetheless airing their grievances with the town.
Alabama Public Library Service will make an inventory of “inappropriate books” for youngsters accessible. Republicans are salivating. More concerning the APLS — it’s the state library service — and concerning the “Clean Up Alabama” group behind the rise in censorship makes an attempt at public libraries within the state.
“Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District (TX) sent an email to parents of an 8th grade class about an incident that occurred regarding the class reading content deemed not appropriate. The district confirmed that the class was reading a book based on Anne Frank’s Diary, which is not Anne Frank’s actual diary.” A instructor was fired over studying the comedian model of Anne Frank’s Diary.
Las Cruces Public Schools (NM) is coping with a problem from an area conservative activist over Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts).
Shenandoah County School Board (VA) is debating modifications to the e-book choice insurance policies for the libraries. You know that it’s by no means good when the third sentence of a narrative brings up the boogeyman of express content material.
Would you have a look at that? One of the bigots who has been behind the e-book challenges, which can shut down the Samuels Public Library (VA), is operating for the native college board.
Samuels Public Library (see above) acquired a short lived break and now has sufficient funds to function for 3 extra months.
“The challenge includes locking the materials in a bookcase, employee area or a separate room marked as ‘adult only’ to be checked out by adults 18 or older with proof of age. The petition goes on to say, ‘If these requirements are not met, then we request all materials of the aforementioned warning be removed from the library inventory.’” Things are going properly on the Garfield County Public Library (CO) board conferences with these bigots.
Because of Florida’s new slate of fascist legal guidelines, the Osceola County School District needed to sever its relationship with the native public library. Students who as soon as robotically had entry to the general public library now not do.
This is actual information out of Massachusetts: “Concerns about whether a diversity flag should be allowed to fly on Plumb Library property and if a Little Free Diverse Library should be located outside the official town library were raised, at times heatedly, at the Rochester Board of Library Trustees Sept. 14 meeting. One resident at the meeting proposed building a ‘pro-family and pro-freedom little library’ on the Plumb Library site if the Little Free Diverse Library is allowed.”
In Indian River County Schools (FL), 128 books are presently below overview.
I’ve seen this effervescent up a bit over the past 12 months, so good to see it lined extra in-depth: local weather science is the following goal of the far proper.
You don’t say — it’s a legislator mendacity about books and e-book shows at an Alabama public library for political acquire?
Keep a watch on the Mesa, Arizona, space faculties and libraries. Moms For Liberty chapters are coming, and at the least one college district might be placing a committee collectively to overview their curriculum below “parental rights” nonsense.
Northview Public Schools (MI) are debating whether or not or to not ban 8 books.
Although this story is paywalled, the gist is within the headline: Brainerd High School (MN) is not going to be eradicating Empire of Storms from the varsity library.
The bigots confirmed as much as Elk Grove Unified School District (CA) to demand the colleges ban books they disagree with. This quote’s a gem: “Stop trying to usurp our responsibility to teach our kids about sex and our right to teach them in a way that conforms to our beliefs especially because we love our children better and more than any professional educator could.”
The aggrieved proceed to combat again in opposition to the Caro Area District Library’s (MI) determination to not transfer books for youngsters from the kids’s part.
St. Charles County Public Library (MO) acquired to listen to from their e-book disaster actors this week over a e-book printed for adults that’s accessible within the grownup part. This is the place we’re — adults considering they will additionally inform different adults what’s and isn’t applicable. This is how they spend their time.
More on the push to take away books from Brookings Schools (SD). This explicit group of e-book banners isn’t even attempting to cover that that is their republican celebration agenda. I believed y’all have been into small authorities?
Pinellas County Schools (FL) eliminated 5 books from the libraries within the district. They did so with none complaints being filed about these books.
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris and Kiss Number 8 by Colleen AF Venable have been pulled from the Lexington School Library (VA).
Seminole County School Board (FL) allowed mother and father to carry out their dramatic readings from books this week on the board assembly, which allowed them to not instantly pull the books. The Florida regulation is such that in the event that they have been to chop off the disaster actors, they’d should then take away the books.
The Mat-Su college district (AK) e-book banning committee — sorry, e-book overview committee — has really useful 4 books be banned — sorry, eliminated — from the varsity district. They are It’s Perfectly Normal, Drama, The Bluest Eye, and The Lovely Bones.
“In response to complaints, concerns and requests to review several books that contained sexually explicit material, the board agreed to place stickers on books to indicate age appropriateness. Also, all children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 19 years or older.” This is on the Ozark Dale County Public Library (AL). Stickers…
The Cullman County Library Board (AL) is listening to complaints over a number of books, together with Prince and Knight by Daniel Haack, Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman, and Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart. I don’t learn about you, however I see a theme right here.
In good information, the Dayton Memorial Library (WA) is not going to be shutting down after just a few individuals have been mad about books.