In which Dan takes a close look at the recent spread of censorship aimed at schools and libraries across the United States. Hundreds (!) of new laws have been proposed in just months that would put teachers and curriculums under the microscope, and books are being pulled from shelves. The common denominator? The ideas and books being questioned all challenge orthodox views of American society, history, and family.
To begin, Dan is joined by Jonathan Friedman from PEN America to talk about gag order laws proliferating across the country (5:40). They discuss how the 1619 Project should be seen as ground zero for this latest censorship push, and then talk through the goals and consequences of the gag order laws coming out of state houses around America. Then Dan talks to Christine Emeran from the National Coalition Against Censorship about why books are coming under attack across the country (33:00). As always I welcome comments and questions on Twitter and Instagram @BigIdeaEd
Mentioned in the episode:
"A Tennessee school board removed the graphic novel ‘Maus,’ about the Holocaust" (CNN)
"'Don't Say Gay' bill passes Florida Senate" (ABC)
The 1619 Project from the NY Times
Educational Gag Orders: Legislative Restrictions on the Freedom to Read, Learn, and Teach from PEN America. Lead author: Jonathan Friedman
Kids' Right to Read Action Kit from the National Coalition Against Censorship
Responding to Book Challenges: A Handbook for Teachers from the National Coalition Against Censorship
Youth Censorship Database from the National Coalition Against Censorship
"How a YA oral-sex scene touched off Texas' latest culture war" from Texas Tribune
Music:
Track: Sunflower — Soyb [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/dG1U3NuR9Pk
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/sunflower