NEW YORK – The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) today released a new resource that provides practical advice for authors whose books are being challenged and banned in K – 12 schools and libraries. Prepared in collaboration with writers who have faced censorship, it is available on the NCAC website.
Book challenges can be exasperating, demoralizing, and deeply painful for authors whose works are deemed inappropriate for young readers. For decades contemporary and classic books have been in the crosshairs of censors. Today the censors are targeting titles by or about people of color and those that address GLBTQIA+ issues.
Because book challenges can happen anytime and seemingly for any reason, NCAC’s Arts & Culture Advocacy Program (ACAP) solicited advice from authors whose books have been attacked, including Jonathan Evison (Lawn Boy), Frederick Joseph (The Black Friend), Jo Knowles (Pearl), Susan Kuklin (Beyond Magenta), Meg Medina (Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass), and Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies). They provide a wealth of best practices to address book challenges and advocate for the return of banned titles.
ACAP is the only national project dedicated to working directly with people in every area of the arts. It provides the tools that help creative and cultural professionals advocate for their own work and join with others to develop alliances and strategies to counter censorship.
National Coalition Against Censorship
Since its inception in 1974, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has functioned as a first responder in protecting freedom of expression, a fundamental human right, and a keystone of democracy. Representing 59 trusted education, publishing, and arts organizations, NCAC encourages and facilitates dialogue between diverse voices and perspectives, including those that have historically been silenced.