Vital Voices: Banned Books

***Interested attendees must register via Eventbrite to receive the Zoom Webinar link and password .***

About the Event:
An event co-facilitated by Dr. Neal Lester and Cyndee Landrum on surrounding banned books and media. In its official stance on banning and censoring books, “The American Library association promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them.” The issue of “Banned Books” has become even more robust in recent months as alleged “anti-Critical Race Theory” state legislative bills across the USA seek to halt or closely monitor k-12 classroom conversations about US history, race, gender, and sexuality. This virtual Vital Voices event is an opportunity to consider some of the history of banned books and how that history has evolved and intersects with the current political climate of “culture wars.”

Please bring a 2-3 minute book excerpt, personal story, or other artifact to share as we explore the perceived threats that banning books brings to cultural literacy and cultural competence.

About the Co-Facilitator:
Cyndee Landrum has been active in local, state and national professional associations including serving as president of the Arizona Library Association, and inaugural member of the Public Library Association Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce, and an executive board member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Accessibility Statement:
All abilities are welcome at this event. We strive to make our programs accessible to the largest number of people possible, and are always looking at ways to remove barriers. In preparation for this event we have made sure that:
Closed captioning will be provided during the Zoom meeting.
If you have accessibility requirements, please contact projecthumanities@asu.edu so we can work together to find an accommodation for your request. This page will be updated with additional accessibility information as it becomes available. Please check back often.