#intellectual freedom
I like to keep the content on this blog pretty light hearted, but unfortunately law makers in the state of Georgia are considering Senate Bill 226 that would make it easier to ban books in schools.
This ban would dramatically change the reconsideration process, the process of banning a book from a school. Normally, schools create their own policies regarding reconsideration, but instead the state of Georgia is setting policy requirements that would speed up the banning process and make it easier to take books out of schools.
Why you should be concerned
- Unnecessary escalation of the banning process: The law would require parents to appeal to the directly to the school board first if they want a book removed from the school. Normally, a parent would be required to meet with a teacher, principal, or librarian before they would be allowed to appeal to have a book banned from a school. Often, meeting with the teacher or librarian to discuss their issues with the book is enough to satisfy parents and find compromises that do not require banning the book entirely.
- Not giving reviewers enough time to read book before banning them: The Georgia law would require school boards to make decision on whether or not ban books in 7 days, which gives little time for those in charge of the decision to read the entire book and pressures them to rush to their conclusions.
Here is a link to an article for more information: https://www.ajc.com/education/lawmakers-considering-a-new-process-for-banning-books-in-schools/LN5IARVS2RGX7OXXJG3B6TNMYU/
If you live in Georgia, Here’s a link to contact your representatives:https://cqrcengage.com/alaga/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=511206&fbclid=IwAR2DueACxVugAu77P_-5ElOl3iEFFflnTtyNlENko-TIGciZkogwBCO8WeM
Emily Wagner, Information Manager in the American Library Association’s Washington Office, wrote to WoLH to highlight the work of Patricia Glass Schuman:
As the 1991-92 president-elect of ALA, Patricia Glass Schuman launched a nationwide media campaign to focus public attention on threats to the public’s right to know—including library funding cuts, censorship, and restricted access to government information—and the need to support libraries and librarians. More than 500,000 Americans called a special toll-free number or signed petitions to Congress supporting full funding for libraries. During her presidency, Schuman implemented a program of media training for ALA chapters and division leaders and founded ALA’s first Speaker’s Network. Schuman was a founding member of the Social Responsibilities Roundtable and the Feminist Task Force! And, in 2014, she was named a Lifetime Member of the association.
Emily also passed along the Washington Office’s recent blog post, “Look Back, Move Forward: Five Women Who Stood Up For the Public’s Right to Know,“ which highlights the work of Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Meredith Fuchs, Hazel Reid O’Leary, previous WoLH subject Eileen D. Cooke, and Schuman. Give it a read!
