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Preserving Literary Freedom: Fighting for Our Libraries and Battling Censorship
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In this episode, Karen talks with Sarah, the founder of American Advocates for Equality, an organization committed to advocating for civil rights and equal representation in public schools.
Sarah discusses her motivation for creating the organization, which emerged from her concern over library censorship and LGBTQ+ book bans. She recounts her journey from the initial small group to a thriving community of over 1,100 members.
They delve into specific incidents that sparked Sarah's involvement, including a case where a library director faced backlash and ultimately lost her job due to her support for LGBTQ+ literature. Sarah explains the various challenges her organization faces, such as fighting against discriminatory decisions made by library boards and advocating for inclusive literature in libraries.
Sarah emphasizes the importance of holding public officials accountable, documenting and reporting incidents, and raising awareness through media coverage. She discusses how the community's involvement, along with her organization's efforts, led to positive outcomes, highlighting the power of grassroots activism.
As the conversation progresses, Sarah touches on the misconceptions about LGBTQ+ literature and the impact of such censorship on children's education. The discussion concludes with a focus on the future and the hope for positive change in schools and communities. Throughout the episode, Sarah's dedication to equality and advocacy shines, inspiring listeners to take action and support the cause.
Check out these additional documents from today's episode:
Image of the Letter to Crawford County Pastors
Virden Complaint
Letter to Crawford County JP
Boatright vs Wahlmeier Lawsuit
Wahlmeier Lawfirm Invoice
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