Censorship Unbound: A Panel on Book Bans and the Right to Read in K-8 Schools and Libraries (10/25/23)
A Panel on Book Bans and the Right to Read in K-8 Schools and Libraries
Oct 25, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:30pm | ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Public Library - Canyon Theatre
Part of the 5th Annual Children's Book Festival, partnered with the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's School of Education.
In response to the alarming surge in challenges to literature, the Center for Humanities & the Arts (CHA) is taking a stand. The CHA is co-sponsoring a panel titled "Book Censorship and Honoring the Right to Read in K-8 Schools and Libraries" at the upcoming Children's Book Festival. The event aims to shed light on the critical issue of book bans and the preservation of academic freedom in educational institutions.
We inviteÌýteachers, students, families, librarians, and all who are concerned about book bans and challenges to join us for the panel onÌýBook Censorship and Honoring the Right to Read in K-8 Schools and Libraries. This panel event will take placeÌýon October 25, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm atÌýthe Canyon Theater & Gallery -ÌýÌý(Main Library).ÌýOpportunity to purchase the festival authors’ books, signing, and a reception will follow the panel.
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Panelists
Jo Currier is an accomplished educator holding a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Studies: Innovation and Reform, Jo brings over five years of valuable classroom experience to our panel. As a local teacher and devoted parent with children attending schools in the community, she is committed to bridging the opportunity gap while enhancing equitable access for young learners and their families.Ìý
David Farnan is the Director of ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Public Library.ÌýHe has been a public librarian for nearly 30 years.Ìý His work is guided by the fundamental principles of librarianship and he remains motivated to create a free and open public space that is welcoming to all, an unwavering commitment to ensuring the privacy of the individual's use of the library, and the belief that it is the public library's responsibility to resist censorship in all its forms.Ìý He believes the best way to demonstrate our belief in the freedom of speech is to exercise that right.Ìý
Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her picture book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, among other accolades. Her other books, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Luli and the Language of Tea, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and starred reviews. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She lives in Colorado with her family. For more information about Andrea and her books, visit www.andreaywang.com.Ìý
Adam Crawley, Moderator, Ph.D. is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Literacy Studies in the School of Education at the University of Colorado-ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Prior to joining CU-ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, Adam was faculty at the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma State University. He earned his doctorate at the University of Georgia and was an elementary teacher in public schools for twelve years. Adam brings experience supporting children's book award programs and conferences and serves as the faculty co-chair of the Children's Book Festival sponsored by the School of Education and ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Book Store. His teaching, research, and service focus on the use and censorship of culturally diverse children's literature in elementary contexts, especially related to LGBTQ+ representations.Ìý
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Event Hosts
This event is in partnership with theÌýCU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's School of Education,Ìý, , and theÌýCU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Center for Humanities and the ArtsÌý(CHA).