Censorship in School Libraries: Protecting or Limiting Access to Information?

According to data released by the American Library Association (ALA), there were nearly 700 attempts to ban library books in the first eight months of 2023. [Forward this message to a friend.]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [View in Browser]( [Logo](   PPS UPDATES November 2023 [Image] Censorship in School Libraries: Protecting or Limiting Access to Information?   According to [data]( released by the American Library Association (ALA), there were nearly 700 attempts to ban library books in the first eight months of 2023. From January 1 to August 31, the attempts sought to challenge or censor 1,915 titles, a 20% increase compared to the same months in 2022, the organization said. Last year saw the most challenges since the ALA began tracking book censorship more than two decades ago. Such censorship extends to school libraries where we are seeing the removal or restricting of access to certain books, magazines, or other materials. This might include materials that are considered sexually explicit, contain offensive language, or explore controversial topics. Proponents of censorship argue that it is essential to shield students from material that may be harmful or offensive. They often cite reasons such as maintaining community standards, protecting minors from explicit content, or avoiding controversial subjects that might be deemed inappropriate for the age group. Findings indicate that a significant number of the books selected to be banned were written by or about a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or a woman. Want to know more about this topic? Check out our latest blog. [Read More]( Help PPS Build Bridges in Communities Across the Nation!   Parents and schools need support, knowledge, and resources to help their children, and with your contribution, we can continue to positively impact public schools. Please join us in building bridges in local communities. A contribution of any amount helps PPS to build bridges and impact cities across the country. Become a bridge-builder with Parents for Public Schools today! Visit our [website]( to make a single or recurring gift, or feel free to mail a check to: Parents for Public Schools, Inc., 4915 I-55 N, Suite 203-B, Jackson, MS 39206. [Donate Today]( Parent Engagement: Back to the Old Flavor   Our NPE panelists: Kelly, Martha, Kylene Joann Mickens (PPS) at NPE Conference with the brunch panelists Diane Ravitch (NPE), Rebecca Pringle (NEA), and Randi Weingarten (AFT) PPS was a featured presenter at the NPE/NPE Action 10th Anniversary Conference in Washington, DC. PPS staff members, along with one of our PEP graduates, presented a session entitled, “Parent Engagement: Back to the Old Flavor.” During the session, Kylene Dibble (Director of Chapter Services) shared details about our chapters, how to start one, and the benefit they provide to school systems. Martha Montufar (Director of Programs and Training) shared details about PEP and how it prepares parents to become leaders in their schools and communities. Kelly Weaver (PEP graduate) discussed how PEP prepared her to run for a school board office, gave her the confidence to run a winning campaign, and how, as an elected school board member now, she sees the benefit that PPS has on school systems. Our session was a success and our panelists did an amazing job!   By the Numbers Statistics from the experts about issues that impact public schools   - 2,570: How many book bans have been attempted in your state? According to recent data from the American Library Association, there has been an unprecedented surge in book challenges across the country in 2022, with over 2,570 distinct titles being targeted. Check out this [article]( by PBS News Hour to learn more. - 1,900: In 2023 alone, there have been efforts made to restrict access to over 1,900 book titles in libraries. For more details, click [here](.       Follow Us on Social Media Please remember to like and share PPS information with friends and family. Follow us on [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( and [Twitter]( today! #PublicSchoolProud Copyright © 2023 Parents for Public Schools, Inc. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]() [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [Powered by thedatabank, gbc.](