We will not be silenced – join us >>

We’re speaking out against violations of freedom of speech [View in Browser]( {NAME}, Our words have power. They can reveal the truth... expose unjust practices… and fight back against censorship. This power is a major reason why freedom of expression is under attack around the world. As a librarian, I am confronted with this reality more than you would think. Efforts to censor and ban books across the country are increasing with great concern. Threats to my colleagues, especially those at public and school libraries, are also increasing. These trends are extremely concerning, considering freedom of expression is a human right. Our learning environments must have the freedom — the responsibility, even — to bring forward many different perspectives. That’s why, in my other role as faculty advisor for Amnesty’s student group at a college in Arizona, I’m proud to celebrate [Banned Books Week with Amnesty International.]( Through Banned Books Week, we draw attention to people around the world who have been imprisoned, threatened, or killed because of their writing, art, or other published work. To kick off Banned Books Week, Amnesty is hosting a virtual event this Thursday, September 15, at 8pm ET | 5pm PT. We’ll be joined by several brave individuals who have been targeted for simply promoting and protecting free speech. [I hope you’ll register today to save your spot.]( [Banned Books Week Event Thursday, September 15 8pm ET / 5pm PT]( Remember what I said about power? When governments and armed groups feel threatened by it, they attack the source. Take Ahnaf Jazeem, a 26-year-old Sri Lankan who was arrested for writing poetry. He was detained for a year without charges or any credible evidence against him. In response, Amnesty members sent thousands of letters to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka calling for his immediate release. Ahnaf was later granted bail and released. Here in the U.S., journalist Andrea Sahouri was pepper sprayed, arrested, and detained by police while covering a Black Lives Matter protest in Des Moines. Amnesty members swiftly called out the clear violation of press freedom and demanded that prosecutors drop criminal charges against Andrea. And once again, our community of human rights defenders helped us apply pressure on officials — Andrea was ultimately found not guilty in court. Unfortunately, for every victory, there are many, many more cases where people do not get justice. Moments like Banned Books Week help bring attention to those who are targeted or imprisoned — and demonstrate to governments and officials that we will not back down when human rights, including freedom of expression, are threatened. [I hope you will check out the plans we have for 2022 Banned Books Week to learn how we can fight the challenges to freedom of expression together.]( [Get involved]( Thank you for being a part of this movement, and for helping us defend human rights. Ed Librarian and Faculty advisor Amnesty International’s student group at Glendale Community College [DONATE NOW]( © 2022 Amnesty International USA 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | 1-800-AMNESTY Please don't reply to this email. You can send questions to aimember@aiusa.org. We’re so happy you’re here to hear about the most important updates on human rights! If necessary, you can [opt to receive fewer emails]( or [unsubscribe here](. [supporter]