'It must be stopped': ACLU issues warning on book bans in Michigan schools

[marmar]

(Detroit Free Press) As book-banning debates continue to take the stage and the election nears, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wrote a letter to Michigan school districts encouraging them to protect students' First Amendment rights.

"In addition to threatening the First Amendment rights of all students, this wave of book-banning is an attack on LGTBQ+ children and their families, and it must be stopped," said Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan LGBTQ+ Rights Project staff attorney, in a Tuesday news release. "For countless youth who face bullying, isolation, and depression, access to LGBTQ+ representation or information in books and literature can be a refuge — and in some cases lifesaving. School libraries are places where young people should be able to learn about themselves and people who are different from themselves, not denied access to the diverse perspectives that books and literature offer us all.”

In the past, book banning focused on themes including race, gender, and sexuality. The bans can further marginalize underrepresented communities, critics say.

Proponents of the bans are saying the books contain content they deem inappropriate, citing the emotional and social toll such topics have on their children.

Dearborn in particular is in the national spotlight as candidates and protesters voice their support for and against banning books focusing on LGBTQ+ characters. At some school board meetings, LGBTQ+ public commenters have been booed by a large crowd. ...........(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/11/02/book-bans-aclu-letter-michigan-schools/69610614007/

[jimfields33]

1. Next Wednesday it will stop.

Election ploy was what this was.