National Coalition Against Censorship
A supporter recently shared with us a letter sent to LCPS Superintendent Edgar Hatrick by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, regarding his decision to restrict student access to the children’s book And Tango Makes Three. Here is an excerpt:
The task of selecting school library materials properly belongs to professional librarians and educators. District officials and Sugarland Elementary School Principal Angela Robinson did the right thing in assembling teams of specialists to review the book using their educational expertise. The recommendations of such committees should only be reversed for compelling educational and pedagogical reasons. Materials should never be removed for ideological reasons. We urge you not to give in to an individual parent or small group of parents who demand that library policies reflect their personal preferences. Parents may be equipped to make choices for their own children, but, no matter how well intentioned, they have no right to make decisions for others.
Read the entire letter here.
As many of you may know, Loudoun made national news the past week for banning a book in elementary school libraries. A parent at Sugarland Elementary complained about a storybook called And Tango Makes Three. Per LCPS policy, a local committee reviewed the book and recommended that it stay on the shelves. The parent appealed the decision. A district committee reviewed the book and also recommended retention. However, Dr. Hatrick overruled the committee (he has the final say under current policy) and restricted the book in all elementary schools. Tango is now part of a professional development collection, available only to teachers; children can no longer check the book out.