Code Switch Fighting back on book bans
Sep 18, 2024
B.A. Parker is an advocate dedicated to ensuring students across the U.S. have access to books. She sheds light on the challenges of book bans, highlighting personal stories from Texas and beyond. Parker emphasizes the transformative power of literature in understanding diverse cultures. The conversation reveals the emotional and educational impact of censorship, showcasing young activists fighting for literary freedom. Through anecdotes, she illustrates the vital role teachers play in nurturing students’ connections to diverse narratives.
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Teacher Shapes Empathy with Books
- B.A. Parker recalls how her high school English teacher, Ms. Bulgeris, introduced her to diverse, empathy-building literature.
- Many books taught then, like those by marginalized authors, are now banned across the US.
Librarian Faces New Book Law
- In Donnelly, Idaho, librarian Sherri Shalline runs a one-room library packed with books and kid-friendly resources.
- She now faces adult-only restrictions due to a new law targeting obscene material, impacting access for children.
Unclear Standards Challenge Librarians
- The harmful-to-minors law lacks clarity on key issues like inclusion of LGBTQ content.
- This vagueness places librarians between legislative intentions and community needs.