Apr 22 Alabama governor ousts education director over book’s stance on racism, inclusion By Kim Chandler, Associated Press Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced she replaced her director of early childhood education over the use of a teacher training book that the Republican governor denounced as teaching “woke concepts" because of language about inclusion and structural racism. Continue reading
Apr 13 Missouri House Republicans want to defund libraries. Here’s why By Gabrielle Hays The proposal is not yet final; it must clear the state Senate. But for those who manage or use the state’s 160 library districts, especially in rural areas where services are not as robust, the threat feels real, librarians and… Continue reading
Mar 24 House Republicans pass ‘parents’ rights’ bill in fight over schools By Stephen Groves, Associated Press House Republicans have passed legislation to press a midterm campaign promise to give parents greater say in what is taught in public schools. Critics say it is a burdensome proposal that would fuel a far-right movement that has resulted in… Continue reading
Mar 23 Book ban attempts reach record high in 2022, American Library Association report says By Hillel Italie, Associated Press The report released Thursday says more than 1,200 challenges were recorded by the association in 2022, nearly double the then-record total from 2021. Continue reading
Mar 15 Experts say attacks on free speech are rising across the U.S. By Rebecca Boone, Associated Press First Amendment experts say attacks on free speech rights are escalating across the United States. Joe Cohn with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression says censorship is proliferating and putting America's culture of individual freedoms at risk. Continue reading
Mar 02 Watch 5:22 Librarians in Louisiana at odds with conservative activists working to ban books By Roby Chavez, Karina Cuevas Scrutiny of libraries, books and teaching materials has become a central issue for conservative politicians around the nation. In Louisiana, the fight over banning books is escalating and targeting librarians as conservative Christian groups are working to take over the… Continue watching
Feb 27 As LGBTQ book challenges rise, some Louisiana librarians are scared to go to work By Roby Chavez Librarians in Louisiana are being targeted and facing harassment from conservative activists who want to ban or limit access to LGBTQ books in public libraries. Continue reading
Sep 06 Ruby Bridges, civil rights activist, writes children’s book By Jay Reeves, Associated Press Complete with a glossary that includes the words “Supreme Court” and “law," the book is an uplifting story about opportunities and kids being able to make a difference, Bridges said. Continue reading
May 10 Coalition of librarians, teachers and publishers forms to fight book bans By Associated Press The American Library Association, the American Federation of Teachers and more than a dozen other organizations have formed a coalition to fight the nationwide wave of book bans and challenges. Continue reading
Apr 06 Watch 9:07 Push to purge some books from schools highlights nation’s cultural schism By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport, Alison Thoet A new report from the American Library Association shows that attempts to ban books in the U.S. surged last year to the highest level since the group began tracking book challenges 20 years ago. According to the study, most of… Continue watching