News

Author David Levithan’s new queer YA romance revisits ‘Two Boys Kissing’ characters

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

via 8 News NOW (Nevada)

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan's latest young adult romance novel "Ryan and Avery" revisits characters from the novelist's beloved 2013 book "Two Boys Kissing" (Photos courtesy of Penguin Random House)

Book Bans

Senate hearing focuses on book bans in schools and libraries

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

via The Dallas Morning News, Inc. (Texas)

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on book bans Tuesday morning, following a school year where Texas led the nation in number of books banned.

Book Bans

Meet the parents who say their rights are ignored by the ‘parental rights’ movement

Monday, September 11th, 2023

via home - louisiana illuminator (Louisiana)

Right-wing groups have emerged as a potent political force in the latest chapter of the decades-old 'parental rights' movement.

Parent Involvement, Racism, Book Bans, School Board – General

War on drugs tainted how schools treat Black kids, former UGA prof says

Monday, September 11th, 2023

via AJC (Georgia)

In her new book, former University of Georgia education professor Bettina Love argues the war on drugs became a war on Black people and schools became battlefields.

Book Bans

Meet the parents who say their rights are ignored by the ‘parental rights’ movement ⋆ Michigan Advance

Monday, September 11th, 2023

via Michigan Advance (Michigan)

While right-wing groups like Moms for Liberty have emerged as a potent political force in the latest chapter of the decades-old 'parental rights' movement, parents of LGBTQ+ children and children of…

Parent Involvement, Racism, Book Bans, School Board – General

As Republicans compete in New Hampshire, ‘parental rights’ come to the fore

Sunday, September 10th, 2023

via The Boston Globe (Massachusetts)

Parental rights — a term used as shorthand largely by conservative groups that oppose how public schools approach race, sexuality, and gender identity — is the latest culture war being waged in New…

Parent Involvement, Book Bans, School Board – General

When are book bans unconstitutional?

Sunday, September 10th, 2023

via Sun Journal (Maine)

A free speech expert defines censorship and applies that lesson to current political struggles in the US to ban books from public schools and libraries.

Book Bans

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

via The Billings Gazette (Montana)

More libraries are cutting ties with the American Library Association as the professional group stands up for books some say children shouldn't have access to because of their content.

LGBTQ+, Book Bans, School Board – General, Racism

Growing banned books movement takes aim at ALA library group

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

via Casper Star-Tribune (Wyoming)

More libraries are cutting ties with the American Library Association as the professional group stands up for books some say children shouldn't have access to because of their content. A local library system in Wyoming was among the first to leave the ALA. The Missouri State Library, Missouri State Library, Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the libraries in Midland, Texas, have followed suit in recent weeks. Lawmakers in at least nine other states demand similar action. ALA officials deny having political agenda, saying parents should simply have the freedom to decide what books their children read.

Book Bans

ACLU-SC responds to challenged books in Berkeley County

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

via The Post and Courier (South Carolina)

In response to a public records request filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina (ACLU-SC), the Berkeley County School District has released a list of 93 books

Book Bans

As Detroit schools’ reading scores are on the upswing, educators …

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

via Michigan Advance (Michigan)

September is Black Reading Month, which comes at a time when Detroit schools have notched modest test score increases in student literacy.  The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) reported last week that it has 'largely recovered from the pandemic in Grades 3-8 ELA, outpacing statewide performance gains.' The district said proficiency levels improved in […]

Book Bans, School Board – General

Palm Beach County schools change book ban rules on gender identity

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

via Palm Beach Post (Florida)

The so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law prohibits instruction on sexual orientation. The state attorney general says it doesn't apply to school libraries.

Parent Involvement, Book Bans, School Board – General

VP Harris goes on embrace-the-woke tour of college campuses, pushing back on Ramaswamy, DeSantis

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via Deseret News (Utah)

The White House is sending Harris on a ‘Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour' as the administration tries to energize young supporters

Book Bans

Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Hampton University next week

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via The Virginian-Pilot (Virginia)

As part of a month-long nationwide college tour, Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Hampton University on Thursday,

Book Bans

After Bible fiasco, Utah school district updates policy for banning books

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)

After the uproar it faced for banning the Bible, Davis School District has changed how it will handle future book challenges.

Book Bans, School Board – General

1 parent is responsible for a book ban in North Carolina

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via Kunr (Nevada)

In a North Carolina school district newly controlled by Republicans, it took just one parent's complaint to remove a book from the curriculum.

Book Bans

Iowa’s battle over banned books in schools, explained in 60 seconds

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via The Des Moines Register (Iowa)

Here's how Iowa schools went from 60 books challenged in three years to banning almost all books with sex acts from classrooms and libraries.

Book Bans

Who will save the books?

Friday, September 8th, 2023

via POLITICO (New York)

Welcome to POLITICO's West Wing Playbook, your guide to the people and power centers in the Biden administration. With help from producer Ben Johansen.Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Eli | Email…

Book Bans

California Legislature sends Newsom his ‘anti-book ban’ bill

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

via POLITICO (New York)

The legislation would fine districts for blocking curriculum and books for discriminatory reasons.

Book Bans, School Board – General