HS senior in West Ada, Idaho protested the district banning The Handmaid's Tale by handing a copy to the superintendent at graduation. Powerful. Flips traditional diploma receiving on its head. Margaret E Atwood PEN America EveryLibrary Idaho Library Assoc. people.com/idaho-graduate…

There can be no future for Gaza if its children have no place to live and learn safely. Today, more than 80% of Gaza’s schools and all universities have been damaged or destroyed.

States like TX and FL say they prioritize “parental rights.” But, when parents like us & TX Freedom to Read Project push back against inserting religion in public schools, the response is something like “we won’t back down” from teaching the “truth” (as FL Commissioner said Wednesday).

Very comprehensive and well written look at the attack on Louisiana’s libraries. Thank you to Sarah Ravits and Gambit! EveryLibrary St Tammany Library Alliance Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship #lalege #LATeacherLeaders #lagov ALA OIF
nola.com/gambit/news/th…

UPDATE: Before approving a library media training document today, the Florida Department of Education amended one of the slides so it accurately reflects state law. This is exactly what @theFIREorg asked FLDOE to do in a public comment submitted to the department.

The incorrect

Hopeful news in Florida, as BOE agrees to clarify some instructions to media specialists to not ban books b/c of single excerpts. And says bans on topics of 'instruction' (e.g. LGBTQ lives) are not bans on library books. Small step, but in the right direction. H/t Florida Freedom to Read Project

ICYMI here is our joint letter sent to superintendents, trustees and curriculum directors all over the state of Texas, earlier this month, referenced in this article.

Sign our petition.
Let us know you’re with us.

txftrp.org/petition

‼️ Terry J. Benton-Walker 🏳️‍🌈🐉 (he/daddy) has generously purchased items from the #KidLit4Ceasefire Auction for marginalized creatives 💛‼️

If you’d like any of the following, please DM or comment:
1 1-hour consult
1 2-hour picture book workshop
3 query + 1st chapter critique
3 query critiques

This is the way. When folks try to pressure your district to remove books en masse, calmly remind them of what the law & state library standards actually require. Turn the temperature down and remind districts of the risks of acting rashly.
myrgv.com/local-news/202…

An update has posted for Clay County District Schools.

A majority of the books (many are by Stephen King) continue to be removed without consideration of the works in their entirety.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

The Baldwin County Public Library Cooperative board fired all employees last week, which will delay essential library services in the county. No, of course no reason has been given yet.

al.com/news/2024/05/s…

Didn't get any registrants for this at $99 for the workshop, so lowered this to $50. $50 two-hour workshop + PB critique. Will be recorded. All proceeds will go to Gaza/Sudan. Capping at 25 people. 👇

It’s here, #MansfieldISD is putting forward their first pronoun and bathroom policy. It’s on the agenda for tonight, snuck in with updates from TASB, but this is anything but. They even tried to sneak it in on pages 39-40 with no blue text to indicate language being added.

Read. Absorb. Get Active. I'll help.

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An update from Maulik Pancholy:

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The responses so far have been helpful and insightful! Please keep it going :)

“As Hixenbaugh writes in his new book, ‘They Came for the Schools,’ Southlake’s long-awaited diversity plan happened to emerge in July 2020, shortly after the murder of George Floyd … sparked Black Lives Matter protests against racism and police brutality.”