This week, CBLDF joined the Kids Right to Read Project and a coalition of free expression advocacy organizations to write a letter to the Guilford School District in Greensboro, North Carolina, in defense of several books taught in the district’s college-level English courses.
A group of parents in the community are trying to remove several titles from classrooms, claiming that the books “denigrate Christianity.” The titles in this vocal minority’s cross hairs include The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood’s classic dystopian tale about women trying to overcome social and sexual subjugation, and Cat’s Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut’s acclaimed satirical lampooning of the arms race. The parents did not file a formal complaint about the book, instead opting to put pressure directly on members of the school board and circulating a petition that calls for the revision of the school’s curriculum. Sources indicate that the primary instigators of the challenge do not have children enrolled in the courses that utilize the titles.
A couple of weeks ago, CBLDF reported on the story when a group of parents and students in the community attended a school board meeting to stand against the censors who would see the books removed. The school district has held its ground, and the books remain in classrooms.
The entirety of the letter follows:
This holiday season, The Will & Ann Eisner Family Foundation is encouraging everyone who believes in the CBLDF’s important work protecting the freedom to read comics to become a member or give a gift membership in the organization. When you do, they will contribute $10 for each new membership and $5 for every renewing membership made from now until December 31, so join today!