In response to a single complaint on Facebook, a Singapore-based bookstore chain has reportedly removed collected editions of the Malaysian webcomic Bro, Don’t Like That La, Bro by Ernest Ng from its stores. Even though the books bear a self-imposed…
Author: Maren Williams
Kurdish Children’s Network Latest Victim of Turkey Media Crackdown
A TV network that airs cartoons and children’s shows in Kurdish is among the latest group of media outlets shut down by the Turkish government, causing consternation and outrage among viewers. Zarok TV (Kid TV) was the only Kurdish-language children’s…
Libraries: Apply Now for 2017 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants!
Calling all librarians looking to expand their graphic novel offerings and programs: applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries! The annual grants from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation and the…
Hattar Assassination Inspires Mixed Reactions
When Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar was shot dead last week outside a courthouse in Amman before the start of his blasphemy trial for a cartoon he shared on Facebook, many Middle Eastern free speech advocates were troubled even if they…
Florida Parent Objects to Racial Slur in Historical Novel
A parent in Marion County, Florida is objecting to the in-class use of the novel The Land by Mildred D. Taylor in her son’s high school English class because the book includes a racial slur used in historical context. Tanya…
Idaho Backs Down on Enforcement of Speech-Chilling Liquor Law
Facing an ACLU lawsuit, the state of Idaho quickly conceded this week that its antiquated law banning “sexually suggestive art” in establishments that serve alcohol is unconstitutional. The law will no longer be enforced in spaces that “typically host performances…
Challenge Policies Essential for All School Libraries
We may be currently in the middle of Banned Books Week, but challenges happen all year round. In addition to educating the public about censorship attempts during this annual event, it is absolutely essential for both school and public libraries…
Diverse Comics for Classrooms and Libraries: LGBTQ
Happy Banned Books Week! In this series, we compile a list of comics that have diverse content and creators for which we have developed resources. For this column, we take a look at comics by and/or about LGBTQ individuals. Many of…
Comics on Texas ACLU List of 2015-16 School Bans and Challenges
At least five books were banned from Texas public and charter schools in the 2015-2016 school year, according to the annual report of banned and challenged books that was released by the state ACLU chapter this week. Comics appeared in…
Mike Diana Case Still Resonates in CBLDF History
One of the key legal cases in CBLDF’s history is that of Mike Diana, who in 1994 was actually banned from drawing for three years after a jury in Pinellas County, Florida, convicted him of obscenity for his raunchy zine…