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Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:12:40 GMT

Llano County, population 3,000, has become a battleground in the war over book bans. What started with a few “concerned citizens” asking to remove children’s books has spiraled into a full-on censorship campaign, including the removal of books and the firing of a librarian. 1/3

But here’s the twist—community members aren’t backing down. In fact, seven brave residents have taken the fight to federal court, challenging the book bans. While some books have been returned, the fight continues, with a new court hearing just around the corner. 2/3

The lesson? Book banners don’t stop unless we stop them. Check out banned books, attend your local meetings, and most importantly—vote. Let’s make sure history is on the side of readers. #StandForLibraries #FreedomToRead #BookBans 3/3

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 20:35:27 GMT

Ever wonder what happens when politics sneaks into your library? Spoiler: it’s not pretty. What started with attacks on public schools has now hit public libraries—and yes, even our beloved academic ones aren’t safe. The latest drama? New College in Florida just tossed 1/4 thousands of books. Was it a normal library cleanup? The administration says so. Was it a politically motivated purge? Also yes, apparently! 🙃 2/4

This isn’t just about dusty old tomes. It’s about the right to access knowledge, diversity, and inclusion—values that are being quietly (and not so quietly) dismantled across public institutions. So the next time you’re browsing your campus library, remember: 3/4 academic libraries are on the front lines too. Let’s stay vigilant and keep turning those pages. #LibrariesResist #SaveOurBooks #HigherEdCrisis 4/4

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 20:33:11 GMT

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 20:32:21 GMT

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:47:41 GMT

📚 As a librarian, my commitment to truth and facts drives my passion for education. 1/6

It’s troubling to see the latest wave of book bans now targeting school textbooks, particularly in Houston's Cypress Fairbanks school district. The decision to redact chapters on vaccines, climate change, and diversity is a significant step back for educational integrity. 2/6

The board’s decision to strip essential scientific and social information from textbooks under the guise of "reducing negative perceptions" is concerning. It’s a move that undermines the state-approved curriculum and sets a dangerous precedent for other districts to follow. 3/6

In the words of local parent Bryan Henry, this kind of censorship is indeed “scary.” When we start erasing vital knowledge from educational resources, we’re not just limiting what students learn—we’re reshaping their understanding of the world in a profoundly biased way. 4/6

Texas Freedom to Read Project points out that this isn't just unconstitutional; it's a direct attack on students' right to access information. As advocates, it’s our duty to ensure students have the tools they need to navigate and understand complex, real-world issues. 5/6

Let’s champion truth and comprehensive education, ensuring our students are equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. 📖✨ #EducationMatters #FightBookBans #TruthInEducation #LibrariansForTruth 6/6

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:33:13 GMT

Redacting Reality: Houston School District's Textbook Tweak

In a surprising twist to the typical book bans, a Houston school district has voted to redact chapters on vaccines, human growth, diversity, and climate change from its science textbooks. Yes, you read that right—actual science is now too controversial for science class.

The Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District board, led by Vice-President Natalie Blasingame, decided these topics apparently make humans look too "bad." Because clearly, teaching kids about real-world issues is just too much to handle.

Parents and educators are understandably worried. Bryan Henry, a concerned parent, pointed out the slippery slope this decision sets. Today it's climate change; tomorrow, it could be civil rights or same-sex marriage. The Texas Freedom to Read Project and PEN America both condemned the move, highlighting how this censorship stifles students' education and critical thinking.

The real kicker? This isn’t just happening in Cypress. It’s part of a broader trend of ideological control over education, fueled by well-funded far-right campaigns. As education professor David DeMatthews notes, local school boards are being influenced by outside money, threatening the integrity of our democracy.

So, here we are—teaching less to learn more about appeasing political agendas. Stay tuned for what gets redacted next.