[aisle] challenge to book and book talk

[Flaherty, Megan]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I would definitely reach out to the ALA. As a talking point if you do go to the board meeting or if your principal is not supportive, LGBTQ and transgender students are protected under Title IX so your including them in book talks is entirely acceptable from a public education standpoint. Of course, we all know there are many other reasons to include these books but just as a reminder, public education legally supports ALL students.
Good luck!
Megan

From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> On Behalf Of Leah Gregory via AISLE
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 7:38 AM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info>
Cc: Leah Gregory <lgregory at illinoisheartland.org>
Subject: Re: [aisle] challenge to book and book talk

Hi Dawn,

It's not too early to talk to ALA. I would also talk to your union and your principal or other building admin so they know what's out there. Parents cannot threaten you for doing your job. The principal can call that parent and inform them they support you 100%. Of course, if your admin won't do that, that's another later to the problem. ALA can help with talking points for all these people.

I would speak to your building admin so they know this may come up from a parent to the BOE, so the BOE can be warned in advance. Pull all the reviews for the book that show the positive parts and the age ranges. You are there to represent all your students. You didn't do anything wrong.

Leah Gregory
School Membership Coordinator
Illinois Heartland Library System
618-619-2069
lgregory at illinoisheartland.org<mailto:lgregory at illinoisheartland.org>



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From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info>> on behalf of Dawn Scuderi via AISLE <aisle at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle at list.railslibraries.info>>
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 11:25:12 PM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle at list.railslibraries.info>>
Cc: Dawn Scuderi <scuderi.dawn at gmail.com<mailto:scuderi.dawn at gmail.com>>
Subject: [aisle] challenge to book and book talk

Hi Everyone,

So it is 11:00 at night and I can't sleep because over the last week I have 2 emails from angry parents about a very brief book talk I gave of "A High Five for Glenn Burke".
I am currently making my way through the Caudills and always tell the kids about current books that I am reading or have just finished.

I mentioned the book, gave a very brief synopsis and had almost immediate backlash from one parent who emailed me and my administrator.  They clearly shared their opinion that I had "violated" students by book talking a book that had a questioning character and a gay baseball player.

Today I received an email from a second parent threatening to take issue with my Superintendent and School Board if I ever discuss, promote or display books of a racial, political or LGBTQ nature again.  To ANY student.

I am in a 7/8 building.

We have a mission statement, collection development policy and challenge policy but they are not school board approved.

These challenges seem to not just be about the books but about me personally.  This evening I found out that the second parent posted about me on Facebook.

We have a board meeting on Wednesday.  Do I go?  Do you guys think this warrants a meeting with my union rep, a call to ALA?  So far my admin has been supportive, but this is just so much.

Book challenges are one thing, I feel like I can combat that.  But this feels personal.

Suggestions?

Thanks for any help,
Dawn


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