The Challenge of Challenges: Strategies for Protecting Inclusion and Silencing Censors

Presenters:

• Martha Hickson, Librarian, North Hunterdon High School, Annandale, NJ
• Leslie Edwards, Librarian, Voorhees High School, Glen Gardner, NJ

Moderator:

• Joyce Hagen-McIntosh, Consultant, Freedom to Read Foundation, Chicago, IL

We strive to create inclusive library collections that reflect a diverse global community. But what happens when members of the school community challenge or attempt to ban such inclusive materials? In this session, high school librarians Leslie Edwards and Martha Hickson share the tools, strategies, and resources that helped them preserve inclusion and successfully oppose their district’s attempt to ban Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home from their school libraries. In addition to getting access to the materials used to defend the book, participants will receive a checklist and links for preparing a Challenge Emergency Kit composed of free resources that can be customized for any challenged book in any school or grade level.

This webinar is complementary to FTRF members.  There is a $25 registration fee for non-FTRF members.  Non-members are invited to join FTRF to take advantage of this members only benefit.  Learn more.