Unshelved: Restricting Books in Schools

Removing books from libraries and classrooms is nothing new, but a recent move by a Tennessee School District drew national attention after they removed a graphic novel about the Holocaust from their 8th grade curriculum. Citing concerns regarding the appearance of profanity, nudity, and graphic images in parts of the book, this move, like many others, was in the name of protecting children.

Whether it’s banning books by removing them entirely, or challenging their use in school curricula, it’s worth asking how we judge whether they should be restricted. We’ll look at books challenged over the past few years and see how Americans’ views may have changed or remained the same.

At this meeting, we’ll ask such questions as:

• What reasons are there for restricting books in school libraries and classrooms?
• What reasons do you view as acceptable or unacceptable?
• Are there alternative approaches that might address these concerns?

Join the Crossing Party Lines discussion and have a voice in our Nation’s Conversation! People of all views are welcomed, appreciated, and heard.

Helpful information:

• Frequently Challenged Books | American Library Association | https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks

Sign up through this event link or at a chapter near you:
– Atlanta, GA: https://www.meetup.com/Crossing-Party-Lines-GA-Atlanta
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– Raleigh, NC: https://www.meetup.com/Crossing-Party-Lines-NC-Raleigh
– San Francisco Bay Area: https://www.meetup.com/Crossing-Party-Lines-CA-SanFrancisco
– Southern Oregon: https://www.meetup.com/Crossing-Party-Lines-OR-Medford

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