News

Longtime educator fending off tech businessman in lone Washoe County School Board race

Sunday, October 13th, 2024

via The Nevada Independent (Nevada)

The election comes at a critical moment for the district as it gears up for the next legislative session, which provides school leaders with an opportunity to advocate for greater K-12 education…

School Board – General, Book Bans

Louisiana librarian, anti-book banning author to speak on censorship at Iowa City Book Festival

Friday, October 11th, 2024

via The Gazette (Iowa)

Two years ago, Louisiana school librarian Amanda Jones spoke against book banning. A few days later, the backlash started. Today, there's still no end of it in sight. Hear her story at the Iowa City Book Festival on Oct. 19.

School Board – General, Book Bans

Baltimore County Library CEO: Freedom to read is under attack GUEST COMMENTARY

Friday, October 11th, 2024

via The Baltimore Sun (Maryland)

The right to access books and educational materials in public schools and libraries is integral, writes Sonia Alcántara-Antoine.

Book Bans

‘Nobody should tell us what to be reading’: These Miami groups work to end book bans

Friday, October 11th, 2024

via Miami Herald (Florida)

'It's through stories that we can develop empathy, and there's nothing more that we need in the world right now than empathy, right?'

School Board – General, Book Bans

Inaugural State of Region 4 event highlights growths, challenges in northeast North Dakota

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

via Grand Forks Herald (North Dakota)

U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., said now is the time for the region to get less aspirational and more operational.

Racism, Book Bans

Meet the candidates for Tarrant County Precinct 3 commissioner in Nov. 5 election

Monday, October 7th, 2024

via Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)

Check out their responses before you head to the polls.

Book Bans

13 books were banned across Utah schools. How often did students actually check them out?

Monday, October 7th, 2024

via The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)

The Salt Lake Tribune requested student-library checkout records from six districts that played a role in the statewide removal of 13 books. Here's how often districts said students checked out the 13 books before the statewide ban took effect.

School Board – General, Book Bans

Richmond bookstore fights back against banned books

Monday, October 7th, 2024

via Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia)

Author and Midlothian Middle School teacher Nashae Jones has always loved books.

School Board – General, Book Bans

In case you missed it: 5 highlights from the Decatur Book Festival

Sunday, October 6th, 2024

via Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Georgia)

After a one-year hiatus and two years of COVID-reduced programming, the Decatur Book Festival made its comeback this weekend, welcoming a wide range of local, national and emerging authors, distinguished moderators and influential thinkers. The turnout was noteworthy, with some author talks overflowing; book lovers camped on floors and crowded along back walls to hear literary figures share their wisdom.

Book Bans

Sultan: Why do diversity and inclusion matter, anyway?

Friday, October 4th, 2024

via St (Missouri)

An event attempts to counter disinformation about diversity, equity, inclusion, or DEI initiatives.

Book Bans

Incumbent Rep. Megan Srinivas takes on Jerry Cheevers to represent Des Moines’ south side

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

via The Des Moines Register (Iowa)

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Megan L. Srinivas will face off against Republican Jerry Cheevers to represent Des Moines' south side.

Book Bans

Murphy goes back to school to push for lowering the voting age to 16 in some N.J. elections

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

via NJ.com (New Jersey)

The governor called for New Jersey to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in their school board elections.

School Board – General, Book Bans

Fisher, Hexter offer contrasting visions for Iowa during AAUW candidate forum

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

via Times Republican (Iowa)

TAMA — A crowd of around 100 interested spectators from around House District 53 filed into the Tama American Legion on Monday night to hear from incumbent Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) and challenger…

Book Bans

New Jersey Advances Bill That Would Allow LGBTQ, Gender, Sex Books in Schools Advances

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

via Shore News Network (New Jersey)

TRENTON, N.J. — The Senate Education Committee advanced a bill on Monday aimed at protecting the right to access diverse library materials and shielding

Book Bans

She’s running with all she’s got for a seat she can’t win. That’s the point.

Monday, September 30th, 2024

via The Washington Post (Illinois)

Kate Barr is waging a sure-to-lose campaign for a seat in the N.C. legislature as a protest against gerrymandering, which has made elections uncompetitive in states nationwide.

Book Bans

Get them on the shelves and keep them there. Advocates continue to fight against book bans

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

via The San Diego Union-Tribune (California)

Censorship doesn't always have to be loud, like a towering plume of smoke from a blazing stack of controversial books. It can be quieter, like technically checking the box of including diverse lite…

Racism, School Board – General, Book Bans

Rubin: In Traverse City, author Jodi Picoult shares her fight against book-banners

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

via Detroit Free Press (Michigan)

Author Jodi Picoult makes a librarian her opening act at her talks across the country to talk about the effects of book banning.

Book Bans

Empowering Michigan Parents Through Action at Moms for Michigan’s First Public Event

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

via Michigan Chronicle (Michigan)

Moms for Michigan is bringing a new wave of civic engagement, and it's starting right at the grassroots level. In a state where debates about book bans, school safety, and legislation affecting children's futures are intensifying, a group of progressive mothers is stepping up to make their voices heard. The inaugural public event—a DIY yard

Book Bans

‘A tool to control the thoughts and actions of people’: New Washington law seeks to stop book bans

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

via The Spokesman-Review (Washington)

Book bans in public schools and libraries all over the United States have been fueled in recent years largely by dozens of conservative activist groups working to suppress books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color.

School Board – General, Book Bans, Parent Involvement