I Spoke Against Book Banning At The Colorado Senate
The Freedom to Read bill plans to change the way books are challenged in Colorado schools and libraries.
On Monday, February 12th, 2024 I had the opportunity to speak in front of the press at the Colorado State Senate to help Senator Lisa Cutter and Representative Junie Joseph launch the Freedom To Read bill (SB24-049). Joining states like California, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey, Colorado hopes to pass legislature aimed at combatting overzealous book banners that are threatening the public’s ability to read and learn.
I made a blog post on my blog, Freedom To Read: I Spoke At The Colorado State Senate Against Book Banning. Here I discuss in more depth Go With The Flow’s book ban, how I got to speak at the Colorado Senate, how I feel about book bans and this bill, and my own experience with censorship as an educator.
As of right now, the Educational Committee is debating the bill. I hope it passes. It was an absolute honor getting to take a stand and say that book bans have no place in Colorado. Every single person should have the freedom to read.
“A banned book is a book not accessible in the hands and minds of those who need it, and that is a grave disservice to our world and an injustice to a growing mind.”
- A quote I said during the speech (I know it’s weird to quote myself)
Resources:
Read and Share banned books (it’s fiction that a book sells more when it’s banned!)
Is a book in danger of being banned in your community? Stand up!
Donate to organizations on the frontline of the book ban fight
Seedlings
Seedlings is the paid portion of Planting Seeds. This week’s Seedlings post contains more information and imagery about the Freedom to Read bill, including footage of my speech.
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