American Library Association to hold conference session: “Ethnic Studies Under Fire”

by David Safier

Librarians think unwisely restricting access to books is a bad idea. They made that clear when the American Library Association and affiliated groups condemned the selective book banning at TUSD (Yes, it's still a ban, even when the books are accessible to some in TUSD, if you forbid/ban certain teachers from using those books in their classes).

During its Anaheim conference which has already begun, there will be a session Monday, Ethnic Studies Under Fire: The Role of Publishers, Librarians, Teachers, and Activists.

Anyone who thinks this whole standoff isn't a big deal because it's just little ol' TUSD in little ol' Tucson, think again. SB1070 has nationwide implications. For similar reasons, the dismantling of MAS has grabbed the attention of educators, academics and groups concerned about censorship around the country, even in other parts of the world.