(C) Common Dreams
This story was originally published by Common Dreams and is unaltered.
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We Believe in the Freedom to Read [1]
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Date: 2023-09-29 12:31:46+00:00
Joint Statement
We believe in the freedom to read.
Schools and libraries are critical places to kindle imaginations and spark a lifelong love of learning. Students deserve classrooms and school libraries that help them be successful.
We believe stories matter.
Books can be powerful, compelling, insightful, and enjoyable. Literature has endless value and should be publicly accessible to all.
We believe in the freedom to learn.
Students need access to accurate history. Students deserve the chance to understand their world and everyone in it.
We believe all students should feel valued in the classroom.
Growing up is hard enough. Classrooms and school libraries should be spaces where all students feel they belong.
We believe teachers and librarians deserve respect.
Schools and libraries are staffed by trained professionals who make informed decisions about educational materials. Their assessments should be respected and not subject to political pressure, threats, or intimidation.
We believe parents are partners in education.
Parents have long had a voice in schools. When a parent, student, or teacher requests or objects to a book, they should have their concerns heard and considered. However, one parent’s views or one group of parents’ views should not restrict access to books for all.
We believe in clear, consistent, transparent policies around reviewing books.
Books must not be removed from shelves just because they are challenged. Evaluations of books must be based on facts and the merits, considered by decision makers who have read the book in its entirety.
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[1] Url:
https://pen.org/we-believe-in-the-freedom-to-read/
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